Keelung Customs (KLC) responded to the news that the X-ray inspection machine at Baisha Port in Beigan, Matsu had malfunctioned for over a month, which had resulted in time-consuming passenger clearance and breaches in security inspection, as the Mid-autumn Festival was around the corner. KLC has activated a comprehensive alternative plan for inspection and passenger route diversion. The clearance order has remained smooth so far, and there is definitely no such thing as breaches in security inspection due to malfunctioning X-ray machine, as the news stated.

KLC stated that the original X-ray inspection machine is currently being replaced with a new one. To strictly protect border security during the transition period, Customs is adopting manual inspection on all inbound passengers’ baggage; for baggage that is difficult or inconvenient to open, Customs officers would use the handheld X-ray machine to inspect to ensure safety. Besides, to increase clearance efficiency, Customs has rearranged the inspection route, moved forward the inspection area, and increased the number of inspection lines to four. With the above rearrangement, Customs is able to complete inbound passenger clearance in 30 minutes.

KLC further explained that it will continue to flexibly adjust the inspection route and manpower to the number of inbound passengers on each vessel, and will complete the X-ray machine replacement as soon as possible and resume its use to maintain border security and clearance facilitation. For more information, please contact Hualien Branch, KLC at (0836)23708.