Smooth operation: Shamsul Azri talking to a visitor from Thailand who entered Malaysia during a visit to the ICQS in Rantau Panjang for the AKPS launch. — Bernama
PASIR MAS: A total of 169 illegal crossings along the Malaysia-Thai border have been identified as requiring attention, says Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
He said the government is targeting to reduce and eventually close these illegal crossings or entry points.
“Border control measures need to be enhanced and it is important to reduce cross-border crimes and smuggling activities.
“The installation of CCTVs at the country’s entry points must be expedited, and the use of AI technology be implemented, as recommended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” he said during the launch of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) pilot operation at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Rantau Panjang here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Shamsul Azri said the use of AI technology in the country’s border control strategy is critical and necessary.
“Through the appropriate and optimal mechanisms, it will help our officers monitor, assess, plan and enforce responses to any form of threat or challenge faced at the entry points and borders.
“For example, the coordination and analysis of data from CCTV and goods scanning machines at entry points equipped with AI technology will enhance the capability of officers in developing risk analysis,” he said.
Shamsul Azri said this proactive approach will assist border agencies intercept potential threats and improve overall security at the country’s entry points and borders.
He said data driven by advanced AI algorithms, such as facial recognition and intelligent document processing, will streamline the process of inspecting individuals and goods by officers.
“This scenario will indirectly ensure that the clearance process for low-risk goods can be expedited. This is crucial to improve the competitiveness of the country’s ports and cargo terminals,” he said.
Shamsul Azri also said the AKPS is capable of combating crimes such as smuggling of firearms, drugs and contraband, adding that its setting up unified various border enforcement functions under a single chain of command.
“Border management in Malaysia involves multiple agencies such as the Customs, Immigration, quarantine unit and many others, which often lead to inefficiencies, overlapping and communication barriers.
“AKPS consolidates these key functions in an integrated manner under the responsibility of one agency, creating a coordinated approach for better border control,” he said.
Citing an example, Shamsul Azri said travellers entering the border currently faced multiple layers of inspections, each managed by different agencies, leading to confusion and delays.
“With the AKPS, we want to provide a smoother experience with travellers undergoing all the necessary checks at a single local inspection layer, making the process less complex,” he said.
AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali said based on the AKPS Act 2024 (Act 860) gazetted on Oct 17, the body will act as the government’s frontline agency at the country’s entry points, including ports.
He said AKPS is responsible in providing integrated and comprehensive control and inspection services at land, sea and air entry points.
“As a single agency created to coordinate all border entry matters, AKPS reflects the commitment of the government in ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of border control remain at the highest level,” he added.
