The World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific Security Project (APSP) conducted its third WCO Sub-Regional Train-the-Trainer Workshop on Programme Global Shield (PGS) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 12 to 22 February 2019. 16 participants from seven countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam) attended the event, which was funded by the Government of Japan and co-hosted by the WCO and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD).

The Workshop is designed to support frontline Customs officers with detecting and identifying precursor chemicals and other components commonly used by terrorist groups in manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), as well as providing participants with the knowledge and skills required to train to other officers in the detection, handling and identification of those materials. Representatives from the Royal Malaysian Police also participated in the event and made a presentation on their experience about the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNe) threat in the country.

The workshop increased the pool of PGS expert trainers available in the region for further training activities. It also raised awareness amongst Customs administrations of the threat posed by IEDs and what can be done to better control diversion and illicit trafficking of chemical precursors and components used to manufacture them.

The RMCD Deputy Director General of Customs (Enforcement and Compliance), Honourable Dato’ Azimah Abd Hamid and Director of Customs (Corporate Planning) Mr. Sharif bin Aziz launched the training on 12 February 2019 and highlighted in their remarks the efforts of WCO and the Government of Japan to support Member administrations to enhance security against the threat posed by IEDs and expand the pool of PGS expert trainers in the region.

For any further questions or comments, please contact the APSP Team (SecurityProject@wcoomd.org).