Defence Ministry reviewing armed forces' rotation model to curb corruption
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said rotation periods vary depending on operational areas, ranging from several months to a year.
"As mentioned by the prime minister and the armed forces chief, we take a firm stance on integrity issues involving personnel.
"We already practise rotation, but we are committed to enhancing the model.
"We will continue to review and strengthen the system.
"However, as the prime minister stressed, we will not compromise on integrity or corruption, whether involving personnel or other government officials," he said in response to a question fromfrom Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN–Sik).
He was commenting on corruption prevention and internal integrity measures following the recent crackdown on a drug and contraband smuggling syndicate, which saw five military officers and five civilians arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Adly said the ministry would fully cooperate with investigations, adding that justice must be upheld for all parties, noting that there were past cases where personnel had been acquitted in court.
"If this happens, their duties and responsibilities will be reinstated," he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Tarmizi also inquired about the deployment of defence personnel and assets along the borders of Kedah, Perlis, Perak and Kelantan to address increasing risks of intrusion, smuggling and cross-border activities.
Adly said operations have been reinforced through additional assets and continuous maintenance of infrastructure at all operational posts.
Among the assets mobilised are 4x4 vehicles, scrambler motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
"With the deployment of these assets, border control can be further strengthened, helping to prevent incursions. In addition, strong bilateral ties with the Royal Thai Army have been built through the Malaysia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC).
"Areas of cooperation include the Regional Border Committee (RBC), the Land Working Group (LWG) and the Combined Force Border Patrol (CFBP), coordinated by the Malaysia-Thailand Border Coordination Office (MTBCO)," he said.
He said four coordinated border posts have been established through adjacent facilities built by both countries, namely, PST Ban Di Da and Ban Di Samoe in Sik, Kedah, as well as PST 34 and 36/100 in Durian Burung, Padang Terap, Kedah.
Adly said the ministry's current focus is also to increase the number of border posts in Sabah and Sarawak.
"I have personally visited several posts, and while the logistical challenges are considerable, given that some are in remote, inaccessible areas where contractors struggle to build facilities, we are committed to ensuring new posts are established to strengthen border security," he said.
He also revealed that from 2022 to 2024, several cases involving undocumented immigrants and unclaimed goods were recorded.
In 2022, 84 immigration-related cases were reported, followed by 73 in 2023, 35 in 2024, and 24 up to June this year.
"This shows a downward trend, although the focus is not only on numbers, but also on ensuring personnel remain vigilant in securing the border," he said.
On seizures, 250 cases were recorded in 2022, followed by 164 in 2023, 207 in 2024, and 74 up to June this year.
"The total value of seizures in some cases reached RM2.5 million to RM2.9 million.
"Our priority remains securing the border. When incidents occur, arrests are made and close cooperation with the police is maintained," he said.
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