Government satisfied with MCBA's early performance, says Saifuddin

New Straits Times

04-05-2025

RANTAU PANJANG: The government is satisfied with the initial implementation of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA), which is currently operating at 22 of the country's 140 official entry points.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that although still in the early stages, MCBA operations have shown promising results - including seizures worth RM400,000 in Rantau Panjang.
"This is a good start. I would say we have succeeded in reducing illegal activities, though not eliminating them entirely," he said.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the Kelantan–Thai border today, Saifuddin said that operations at each entry point differ based on local needs and challenges.
He said the government plans to progressively expand MCBA coverage this year, although the number of additional locations has yet to be confirmed.
"Additional deployments will be determined by MCBA leadership, based on personnel availability," he added.
When asked about MCBA's performance over the past four months, Saifuddin said the agency had performed well overall, but noted areas for improvement.
"The asset acquisition process must be accelerated to improve operational effectiveness. As for staffing, there's still room for improvement," he said.
On border security, Saifuddin said 819 police personnel from various units are guarding a 103-kilometre stretch along the Kelantan–Thai border.
"We've seen a significant drop in illegal entries since police began enforcing the border crossing ban.
"Previously, there were between 4,000 and 5,000 daily movements through illegal routes. Those numbers have dropped sharply," he said.
Saifuddin stressed the need to maintain momentum to ensure continued border security.
Accompanying him during the visit were Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat and General Operations Force Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid.
MCBA began operations at the Rantau Panjang checkpoint on Jan 1 and has since expanded to 22 entry points nationwide.
The agency was officially established following the enactment of the Border Control and Protection Agency Act on October 17, 2024.
MCBA serves as the sole border control agency, consolidating the expertise and resources of multiple government departments, including Immigration and Customs, to streamline operations at the country's international entry points.
It has also absorbed officers and personnel from the police, Immigration Department, Wildlife and National Parks Department, Health Department, Road Transport Department, and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department.