‘Changing border guards can prevent abuse of power’
KUALA LUMPUR: A frequent change of guard for border security duty has been the practice of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to prevent its personnel from getting involved or working in cahoots with smugglers, General Tan Sri Affendi Buang said.
The armed forces chief said this was important to prevent them from taking up the role of smuggling syndicate leaders, and to maintain alertness and preparedness levels at their respective patrol areas.
“This way, they will not get too familiar with the community in the operation areas.
“Otherwise, they could end up being too complacent and join forces with those running illegal activities,” he told Bernama yesterday.
He said there was constant monitoring of personnel or squads involved in border patrol duty, adding that the MAF took a serious view of the matter and would not compromise if any of its officers and personnel were found to be involved in any forms of criminal activity, including smuggling.
It was previously reported that several members of the armed forces, as well police officers and personnel, were among those recently arrested for abuse of power and trafficking migrants along the country’s borders.
Meanwhile, Bukit Aman’s Integrity and Standard Compliance Department director Datuk Zamri Yahya said the management would ensure that the deployment of officers and personnel in the border areas did not exceed five years to prevent misuse of power.