DPM: Border decisions must be followed by proactive action

PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi wants all policy decisions made by the government, especially on border security issues, to be followed by proactive and comprehensive action by the relevant enforcement agencies.

When chairing the High-Level Committee Meeting on Border Security and Control here yesterday, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, stressed that the move would ensure effectiveness of the national border control operation to combat transborder crime.

The meeting, which is the first in its series, focused on issues and challenges faced, as well as strategic cooperation among enforcement agencies to empower security control at the borders.

In a statement issued in conjunction with the meeting, Ahmad Zahid said the establishment of the Malaysian Border Security Agency (AKSEM) specifically to focus on anti- smuggling operations and violation of laws at the Malaysian border areas was indeed a right and appropriate move.

This is because the five main agencies under the AKSEM, namely the Royal Malaysia Police ( PDRM), Customs Department, Immigration Department, National Anti-Drug Agency and the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board, had their own expertise and strengths, he said.

Ahmad Zahid said AKSEM would also implement a strategic cooperation with other enforcement agencies, especially those operating in land border areas.

The cooperation, he said, would cover various aspects, including in the sharing of intelligence information and in the implementation of integrated enforcement activities to optimise the impact, strategies and effectiveness of the operations.

The deputy prime minister said the Volunteers Department ( Rela) would also collaborate with the agencies to implement border control, especially in Sabah and Sarawak. — Bernama