Aksem Act comes into force on Friday

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Border Security Agency (Aksem) Act 2017 will come into force on Friday.

In a statement, the Home Ministry said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had set Dec 29 as the date of enforcement in accordance with subsection 1(2) of the Aksem Act 2017 (Act 799).

It said the act was formulated to streamline control and action against illegal activities at the country’s land borders.

“The act provides for the setting up of a special agency known as Aksem, which is responsible for curbing smuggling and other illegal activities along the country’s land borders.

“Through this act, it will expand Aksem’s functions in controlling land borders, including in Sabah and Sarawak.

“This will enable Aksem to carry out operations up to the country’s land boundary line to deter illegal activities,” the ministry said.

The act, the ministry added, would strengthen security, which was enforced by police, the General Operations Force and armed forces.

The five enforcement agencies that formed Aksem were police, Immigration Department, Customs Department, National Anti-Drugs Agency and Kenaf and Tobacco Board.

“The provision in the act allows the appointment of public officers to join Aksem, if required,” it said.

Zahid had said Aksem would enforce security control along the Malaysia-Thailand border under a special legislation that would be tabled in Parliament.

He said the act would empower Aksem in enforcing the law pertaining to border security and to operate in a comprehensive and more effective manner.

The act provides for the setting up of a special agency known as Aksem, which is responsible for curbing smuggling and other illegal activities along the country’s land borders.

HOME MINISTRY