Latest news with #BorderControlandProtectionAgencyAct
New Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Government satisfied with MCBA's early performance, says Saifuddin
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.
Malay Mail
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Home Ministry: Malaysia's new border agency AKPS needs time to adapt, but stronger control soon
KULIM, April 27 — The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) requires time to fully establish itself as the sole agency responsible for strengthening security at the country's entry points. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said AKPS now consolidates various agencies under one umbrella, and therefore needs some time to fully adapt to its role. 'Agencies that previously operated independently are now under one roof and a single command. Naturally, some time is needed for them to adapt and carry out their operations under a unified structure. 'However, we are confident of seeing significant improvements in border control and protection within a reasonable timeframe,' he said at a MADANI Aidilfitri open house here yesterday. Saifuddin Nasution said that AKPS is currently operating at 22 border entry points and will be progressively expanded to cover all 123 entry points nationwide. He said the agency was established with three main objectives: to streamline border control processes, improve the efficiency of service delivery, and uphold integrity in border management. AKPS was officially established following the gazettement of the Border Control and Protection Agency Act (Act 860) on Oct 17, 2024. It commenced operations on Jan 1 at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, before being expanded to 21 other entry points covering Kedah, Sabah, Sarawak, Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. — Bernama
The Sun
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
AKPS requires time to fully adapt to its role
KULIM: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) requires time to fully establish itself as the sole agency responsible for strengthening security at the country's entry points. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said AKPS now consolidates various agencies under one umbrella, and therefore needs some time to fully adapt to its role. 'Agencies that previously operated independently are now under one roof and a single command. Naturally, some time is needed for them to adapt and carry out their operations under a unified structure. 'However, we are confident of seeing significant improvements in border control and protection within a reasonable timeframe,' he said at a MADANI Aidilfitri open house here today. Saifuddin Nasution said that AKPS is currently operating at 22 border entry points and will be progressively expanded to cover all 123 entry points nationwide. He said the agency was established with three main objectives: to streamline border control processes, improve the efficiency of service delivery, and uphold integrity in border management. AKPS was officially established following the gazettement of the Border Control and Protection Agency Act (Act 860) on Oct 17, 2024. It commenced operations on Jan 1 at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, before being expanded to 21 other entry points covering Kedah, Sabah, Sarawak, Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
The Star
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Border control agency will need time to settle into new role, says Saifuddin
KULIM: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency will need time to fully establish itself as the sole agency responsible for strengthening security at the country's entry points, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. "Agencies that previously operated independently are now under one roof and a single command. Naturally, some time is needed for them to adapt and carry out their operations under a unified structure," said the Home Minister. "However, we are confident of seeing significant improvements in border control and protection within a reasonable timeframe," he said at a Madani Aidilfitri open house here on Saturday (April 26). Saifuddin Nasution said that the agency is currently operating at 22 border entry points and will be progressively expanded to cover all 123 entry points nationwide. He said the agency was established with three main objectives: to streamline border control processes, improve the efficiency of service delivery, and uphold integrity in border management. It was officially established following the gazettement of the Border Control and Protection Agency Act on Oct 17, 2024. It commenced operations on Jan 1 at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, before being expanded to 21 other entry points covering Kedah, Sabah, Sarawak, Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. – Bernama Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, AKPS
New Straits Times
26-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Saifuddin: AKPS to deliver more efficient border management over time
KULIM: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) will require time to reach full operational capacity as it continues consolidating the functions of various enforcement agencies, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Saifuddin said the agency, established to streamline and strengthen border enforcement, is still in its early stages, operating under a unified command structure. "As this is a new initiative, agencies that previously operated separately are now working under one roof, under a single command," he said during a Madani Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house ceremony here today. Saifuddin expressed confidence that AKPS would deliver improved outcomes over time, as its personnel adapt to their new roles and responsibilities. He said the agency was founded to fulfil three main objectives: facilitating smoother border crossings, enhancing the efficiency of service delivery, and upholding integrity in border management. "The first goal is for border control to function smoothly and efficiently - both for the movement of people and goods. It must ensure seamless mobility. "The second is that, as a single agency, AKPS will be able to offer a more efficient service delivery system, unlike the previous arrangement where the public had to deal with multiple agencies. "And the third, which is often emphasised, is to strengthen integrity," he said. The agency began operations at the Rantau Panjang checkpoint on Jan 1 and has since expanded to 22 entry points nationwide. "We have 123 entry points in total, and the first operation was launched in Rantau Panjang. Today, AKPS is active at 22 of those locations. Eventually, all remaining entry points will be brought under the agency's jurisdiction," Saifuddin said. He added that AKPS would also gradually adopt its own identity and official uniform. "For now, officers wear only the agency insignia on their sleeves, but in time, they will be fully outfitted," he said. AKPS was officially established following the enactment of the Border Control and Protection Agency Act on Oct 17, 2024. It functions as the sole border control agency, consolidating the expertise and resources of various government agencies, including Immigration and Customs, to streamline operations at the country's international entry points. In addition, AKPS has also absorbed officers and personnel from the police, Immigration Department, Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), Health Department, Road Transport Department, and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis).
