Latest news with #SazaliMohamad
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Checks stepped up at KLIA to better handle Not-To-Land cases
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MBCA) has ramped up checks at the country's main gateway as part of its long-term strategy to better manage Not-To-Land (NTL) cases. Agency acting director-general Datuk Sazali Mohamad said more personnel have been deployed to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to strengthen on-ground surveillance. The reinforcements include teams from MBCA's Quick Response Team (QRT), particularly during peak hours. "This approach has proven effective in bolstering on-ground capacity, enabling us to handle the high number of cases without requiring additional permanent staff," he told the New Straits Times. He said MBCA was also improving risk profiling to identify high-risk travellers before arrival and fostering closer collaboration with local and international agencies to detect suspicious travel patterns early. Sazali added that the agency supported increased investment in automated border control systems, such as autogates, at major entry points as part of a broader, long-term solution. "These automated systems not only ease congestion during peak periods but also reduce risks linked to human error and potential misuse of authority at manual immigration counters." Sazali said expanding the workforce with new recruits would have long-term financial implications, whereas technological upgrades offer more sustainable, secure and transparent border control solutions. MBCA's KLIA strategy, he said, could be used as a template for other international entry points, including Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Johor Baru. In addition, MBCA is working with foreign embassies, airlines, the Tourism Ministry and other agencies to raise awareness about Malaysia's entry requirements, travel procedures and the risks of using fraudulent visa agents. "These efforts are designed to ensure travellers are better informed before arrival," he said. "Together, they help prevent illegal entry and uphold the integrity of Malaysia's borders. "This also protects travellers from exploitation, reduces NTL incidents and ensures a safer and more orderly entry process, especially for visitors from countries subject to more detailed scrutiny." Sazali said the agency placed greater focus on diplomatic engagement with embassies of high-risk countries, such as Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, to reduce misunderstandings and improve compliance. "We've already initiated active communication with the Pakistani embassy and aim to expand diplomatic cooperation with other nations.
New Straits Times
17 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Syndicate suspected behind bid to traffic 279 foreigners via KLIA
KUALA LUMPUR: A syndicate is believed to be behind an attempt to traffic 279 foreigners into Malaysia via Kuala Lumpur International Airport last week. The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MBCA), which foiled the attempt by issuing a record number of Not-To-Land (NTL) orders, believes the case may be just the tip of the iceberg. The agency's acting director-general Datuk Sazali Mohamad said the foreigners issued NTLs on June 2 displayed travel patterns consistent with past illegal entries linked to trafficking syndicates. "We found repeated red flags, identical travel itineraries, scripted responses and questionable documentation," he told the New Straits Times. "This strongly suggests a coordinated effort, possibly involving trafficking networks or illegal syndicates." On Tuesday, MBCA said it recorded its highest number of NTLs in a single day, denying entry to 240 Bangladeshis, 33 Pakistanis and six Indian citizens who failed to meet immigration requirements. The foreigners, detected by the KLIA Border Control Monitoring Team, were immediately deported. That team was established in 2023 to improve early screening and identify high-risk travellers. Previously, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the cabinet had discussed how immigration and airports handle NTL cases. He said NTLs were issued for various reasons, including being blacklisted or failing to show proof of visit purpose — such as a visa, return flight ticket or hotel accommodation — as required under immigration regulations. "The NTL decision was made in the interest of safeguarding Malaysia's borders and the integrity of its immigration system," said Sazali. He added that Sections 8 and 28 of the Immigration Act empowered authorities to refuse entry to individuals deemed unqualified or suspicious. Sazali said apart from suspected syndicate links, NTLs were also issued to travellers who fail to meet key immigration requirements, such as a clear travel purpose, sufficient funds, valid documentation and verifiable accommodation. He said these anomalies were consistent with those used by organised groups, though investigations are ongoing. MORE NTL s DURING PEAK PERIODS, HOLIDAYS Sazali said between June 2023 and May last year, 25,568 NTL cases were recorded nationwide, with the highest numbers logged during public holidays and school breaks. "The busiest months were July 2023 (2,358 cases) and August 2023 (2,224 cases)," he said. Sazali said the spike was no coincidence. "Peak travel seasons often provide cover for irregular movements. We are now using enhanced profiling and real-time data to detect these threats at the source," he said. He said MBCA primarily relied on the Immigration Department's MyIMMs system, which automatically flags travellers on watch lists, blacklists or with known criminal records, and generates real-time alerts for immediate action. "This allows officers to make immediate, informed decisions on whether to hold or deny entry for further checks. "The system is particularly valuable during peak travel periods when quick and accurate assessments are essential." He added that MBCA was working with foreign embassies and airlines to manage NTLs. "We engage embassies to verify travellers' identities and provide consular support. "We also work with airlines to arrange return flights, provide meals, and manage temporary care for individuals denied entry. "Such coordination helps prevent confusion and ensures airport operations remain orderly, even during high-traffic periods."
The Star
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
AKPS readies welcome for Asean Summit delegates
PUTRAJAYA: The Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) is stepping up readiness at all major entry points into the country ahead of the 46th Asean Summit next week to maintain national security and ensure smooth arrival for the delegates. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2 and the Bunga Raya Complex in Sepang are among the entry points expecting the arrival of heads of state and foreign delegates for the event. APKS 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. Acting AKPS director-general Datuk Sazali Mohamad said the agency is implementing a series of strategic measures to ensure a smooth process for all foreign delegates entering the country. He said designated protocol lanes will be provided in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to expedite clearance for delegates, sparing them from having to queue in normal lanes, particularly at main entry points such as KLIA. 'AKPS is also strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders involved in the Asean Summit, including the Foreign Ministry, police, MAHB and AKPS' core agencies – the Immigration Department and Health Ministry,' he told Bernama. He added that such collaboration is crucial in enabling AKPS to conduct preliminary checks and assessments before the delegates arrive. Sazali said the extension of autogate usage to passport holders from Asean member states for international departures will also help expedite immigration clearance. 'In addition, inspections are being enhanced through the dedicated VVIP counters at the Bunga Raya Complex and a special VIP lounge to welcome dignitaries,' Sazali said. He said that during the summit period, four AKPS teams will be stationed at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, with 150 officers assigned to each shift. 'For the VVIP route at the Bunga Raya Complex, 50 officers will be on duty specifically to welcome and manage the arrival of dignitaries,' he added. To ensure all personnel are prepared operationally and tactically, Sazali said AKPS is conducting safety drills and simulations in line with guidelines issued by the Foreign Ministry. 'Throughout the summit, AKPS, in collaboration with the Immigration Department's Security and Passport Division, the police and Foreign Ministry will conduct pre-arrival checks on information related to delegates and officials scheduled to attend the Asean Summit,' he said. Sazali affirmed that AKPS is committed to ensuring the comfort and smooth arrival of delegates, which will reflect positively on both the country and all agencies involved. 'As a frontline agency, AKPS' service will shape delegates' first impression of their visit to the country,' he said. The Asean Summit will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26 and 27, alongside the second Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit. With the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', it will mark Malaysia's fifth time chairing Asean.
The Star
19-05-2025
- The Star
46th Asean Summit: Border control agency boosts readiness at entry points
PUTRAJAYA: The Border Control and Protection Agency is stepping up readiness at all major entry points into the country ahead of the 46th Asean Summit next week to ensure smooth arrival procedures for delegates and maintain national security. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2 and the Bunga Raya Complex in Sepang are among the entry points preparing for the arrival of heads of state and foreign delegates for the summit. ALSO READ: 46th Asean summit: Sales, exhibition fair at KLCC kicks off May 23 Acting agency director-general Datuk Sazali Mohamad said it is implementing a series of strategic measures to ensure a smooth process for all foreign delegates entering the country. He said designated protocol lanes will be provided in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to expedite clearance for delegates, sparing them from having to queue in normal lanes, particularly at main entry points such as KLIA. "The agency is also strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders involved in the summit, including the Foreign Ministry, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), MAHB, the Immigration Department and the Health Ministry,' he said on Monday (May 19). ALSO READ: Asean Summit: 71 schools in S'gor, KL allowed to carry out online learning from May 26 to 28, says ministry He added that such collaboration is crucial in helping the agency conduct preliminary checks and assessments before delegates arrive. Sazali said the extension of Autogate usage to passport holders from Asean member states for international departures will also help expedite immigration clearance. "In addition, inspections are being enhanced through the provision of dedicated VVIP counters at the Bunga Raya Complex and a special VIP Lounge to welcome dignitaries,' he said. ALSO READ: Drone operations without permit prohibited during Asean Summit, says CAAM He said that during the summit period, the agency will station four teams at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, with 150 officers assigned to each shift. "For the VVIP route at the Bunga Raya Complex, 50 officers will be on duty specifically to welcome and manage the arrival of dignitaries,' he added. To ensure all personnel are prepared operationally and tactically, Sazali said safety drills and simulations are also being held in line with Foreign Ministry guidelines. "Throughout the summit, (we) will conduct pre-arrival checks on information related to delegates and officials scheduled to attend,' he said. Sazali affirmed the agency's commitment to ensuring the comfort and smooth arrival of delegates, to reflect positively on the country and all involved agencies. ALSO READ: Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship: A defining moment for a more inclusive and sustainable region, says expert "As a frontline agency, our service and treatment will shape delegates' first impression of their visit to the country,' he said. The Asean Summit will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on May 26 and 27, alongside the second Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit. With the theme Inclusivity and Sustainability, this will mark Malaysia's fifth time chairing Asean, following previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. – Bernama
Barnama
19-05-2025
- Barnama
AKPS Boosts Readiness At Entry Points Ahead Of ASEAN Summit
By Mohd Ashraf Syafiq Mazlan PUTRAJAYA, May 19 (Bernama) -- The Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) is stepping up readiness at all major entry points into the country ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit next week to ensure smooth arrival procedures for delegates and maintain national security. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2 and the Bunga Raya Complex in Sepang are among the entry points expecting the arrival of heads of state and foreign delegates for the summit. Acting AKPS director-general Datuk Sazali Mohamad said the agency is implementing a series of strategic measures to ensure a smooth process for all foreign delegates entering the country. He said designated protocol lanes will be provided in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to expedite clearance for delegates, sparing them from having to queue in normal lanes, particularly at main entry points such as KLIA. 'AKPS is also strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders involved in the ASEAN Summit, including the Foreign Ministry, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), MAHB and AKPS's core agencies – the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Health,' he told Bernama. He added that such collaboration is crucial in enabling AKPS to conduct preliminary checks and assessments before delegates arrive at the country's entry points. Sazali said the extension of Autogate usage to passport holders from ASEAN member states for international departures will also help expedite immigration clearance. 'In addition, inspections are being enhanced through the provision of dedicated VVIP counters at the Bunga Raya Complex and a special VIP Lounge to welcome dignitaries,' he said.
