Malaysia Establishes New Agency for Enhanced Border Control
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Synopsis
On February 2, Malaysia launched the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) to streamline border management, enhance security, and improve service delivery across all entry points. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to effectively safeguard national borders while facilitating trade and travel.
Key Takeaways
- AKPS formed to oversee border control
- Consolidation of various enforcement functions
- Focus on national security and crime prevention
- Gradual takeover of 114 border checkpoints
- Enhancement of trade and travel efficiency
Kuala Lumpur, Feb 2 (NationPress) Malaysia has established a new agency dedicated to managing its border control as of Sunday, reinforcing the government's pledge to develop a seamless and effective border control system.
The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) signifies the government's steadfast dedication to establishing a streamlined and effective border control structure, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Launched on Sunday, the AKPS is now the exclusive border control agency, amalgamating expertise and resources from various governmental bodies, including Immigration and Customs, to efficiently manage operations at the country’s international entry points nationwide, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"The forthcoming era of globalisation necessitates that all stakeholders prepare with a robust and integrated border management system," he stated.
"The government has initiated numerous efforts and initiatives to ensure that Malaysia maintains its status as a competitive trading nation, delivering efficient and integrity-oriented services at the country’s entry points," he mentioned during the AKPS launch.
Present at the event were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Hashim.
Fadillah outlined that the establishment of AKPS is based on five core objectives – to unify various border enforcement roles under one command structure; facilitate trade and travel; bolster security measures; enhance service delivery; and improve the protection and safety of the country's borders across air, sea, and land through cooperative efforts among involved agencies.
The Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency will centralize border control duties at the country's international entry points, which are currently managed by multiple entities, as stated by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail after the launch.
"It fundamentally concerns national security; if the borders are inadequately secured, national security is jeopardized and vulnerable to threats from criminal elements such as illegal weapons and criminals," he added, emphasizing that effective border control is crucial in mitigating such dangers.
The agency will gradually assume control over 114 border checkpoints across the nation, with the initial phase encompassing approximately 22 checkpoints, including the busiest ones like the Johor Causeway and Second Link, which connect to neighboring Singapore.
