Poll: Tighter Security At Asian Airports Wanted

[Thaising]

Singapore (dpa) - Singaporeans want more stringent controls on baggage, people and vehicles at Asian airports, a survey said on Wednesday.

With aviation markets in South Asia and North-east Asia booming, the poll commissioned by software giant Unisys queried 891 people aged 18-64 in the city-state.

The findings revealed that 84 per cent of the respondents support consistent baggage screening at all Asian airports; 79 per cent favour a consistent passenger baggage tracking system and 78 per cent consistent screening of commercial goods carried as cargo.

Tougher restrictions around airports on vehicle access and people who are not travelling are sought by 60 per cent.

Nearly all of the respondents said they are prepared to contribute to additional security.

Eighty per cent back having all luggage electronically tagged; 77 per cent support providing a fingerprint, eye scan or similar ID to airlines and airports and 76 per cent would not mind arriving at an airport 30 minutes earlier for extra security screening.

Forty-two per cent support paying more for tickets to cover the cost of heightened security.

Photographic and fingerprint identification is in place at Singapore's Changi and other leading Asian airports including Bangkok and Hong Kong.

Bangkok Post