Saifuddin: Border Security Index a tool to assess border safety
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the index was developed in collaboration with the Institute of Public Security of Malaysia under the Home Ministry and Universiti Teknologi Mara.
He said it would serve as a strategic and credible tool in assessing Malaysia's border security landscape.
"This is a historic milestone. The index we have developed is unique because it is based on credible, real-time data collected from 31 enforcement agencies.
"It's not just about police or Immigration. It includes all agencies involved in border security," he said at the ministry's monthly assembly here today.
He said the index was based on 54 indicators in 12 key categories of border-related crimes, including human trafficking, drug and arms smuggling, illegal logging, cybercrime, wildlife trafficking and kidnapping for ransom.
He said the data would be updated twice a year, with agencies inputting information according to specified indicators.
The index generates scores on a scale of 0 to 1, with higher scores indicating stronger security.
"For example, based on the latest data, three areas recorded the best performance: kidnapping for ransom, maritime robbery and arms smuggling, with zero reported cases from all involved agencies. That's a very encouraging sign," Saifuddin said.
Also part of the 12 key categories are illegal fishing, biosecurity threats and cross-border violence.
Saifuddin said the index would allow for more strategic deployment of assets and personnel at identified hotspots and enable more data-driven annual budget submissions to the Finance and Economy ministries.
"This index empowers the Home Ministry, as the lead agency, to act with better precision.
"It helps us determine where to deploy resources, which agency to prioritise and how to justify our needs with data.
"In short, it gives us a clearer picture of where we stand and what actions need to be taken."
He said the Cabinet Committee on Border Security, which he chairs, would adopt the index as a reference tool in national security planning.
"This launch sends a single, important message — our borders are secure and the overall state of border safety in Malaysia is stable and reassuring.
"That's crucial not just for national security, but also to build investor confidence."
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