Border Security Agency Act 2017 comes into force on Dec 29

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Border Security Agency Act 2017, formulated to streamline control and action against illegal activities at the country's land borders, will come into force on Dec 29, the Home Ministry said yesterday.

It said in a statement that the date of enforcement was set by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in accordance with subsection 1(2) of the Malaysian Border Security Agency Act 2017 (Act 799).

“The act provides for the setting up of a special agency known as the Malaysian Border Security Agency (AKSEM) which is responsible for curbing smuggling or other illegal activities along the country's land borders,” it added.

It said the act expanded the functions of AKSEM to implement control at the land borders, including in Sabah and Sarawak.

“These functions enable AKSEM to carry out operations up to the country's land boundary line to stamp out illegal activities.

“This can strengthen the level of security which is now enforced by the General Operations Force, Royal Malaysia Police and Malaysian Armed Forces as well as other enforcement agencies,” it said.

The ministry said the agencies represented in AKSEM were the Royal Malaysia Police, Immigration Department, Royal Customs Department, National Anti-Drugs Agency, and the Kenaf and Tobacco Board.

“The act provides for any other public officer to be appointed to AKSEM if required,” it said. Bernama