New push to fortify M'sia's borders amid rising security concerns

The Star

06-07-2025

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Malay­sian Border Control and Protec­­­t­ion Agency (AKPS) will be streng­thened through new leadership and a focus on improving border security, says Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah ( pic ).
The Deputy Home Minister said its newly-appointed director-­general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain would lead the agency to address growing border threats.
'AKPS's role is being restructured to meet current challenges, including smuggling and trans­national crimes, and to align with the standards of established border agencies in other countries,' he said.
His comments came after a working visit with the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) and the Malaysian Anti-Drug Associa­tion (Pemadam) on Friday night.
Mohd Shuhaily will lead AKPS for a two-year term until June 30, 2027. He succeeded Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali who retired on Feb 10.
On a separate matter, Shamsul Anuar also stressed the importance of efficient border management in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026.
'This is a major agenda that we are implementing continuously in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026, to enhance the country's image.
'The Cabinet Committee on Eradicating Drug Abuse, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has previously approved an anti-drug communication plan aimed at raising public awareness until 2027.
'In addition to implementing various awareness programmes that are relevant to current circumstances, I hope the public will always remember that drugs remain the country's number one enemy,' he said.
He added that tackling drug abuse must be a joint effort involving the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations, religious bodies and politicians.
'The AADK's slogan, 'Drug prevention is a shared responsibility', means it cannot be solely placed on the agency's shoulders if we are serious about solving this problem,' he said.
'If drug abuse is widespread in certain states, it should not be seen as a political issue,' he said.
He also urged Pemadam to adopt new approaches to tackle drug abuse, adding that the challenges are becoming increasingly complex, particularly among those aged 15 to 39, who make up 60.2% of cases as of March 31.
'Although these young people differ in age, background, inte­rests and education, they share one thing in common, which is that they are highly susceptible to various influences,' he said.