Border Security Agency to boost control

PUTRAJAYA: In a bid to strengthen border control nationwide, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday announced the formation of the Border Security Agency (AKS) with immediate effect.

The agency, which is an upgrade from the present Anti-Smuggling Unit (UPP), will focus on fighting and curbing trans-border crime in more 1,200 hotspots in the peninsula, and more in Sabah and Sarawak.

Ahmad Zahid said the agency, which came into effect yesterday under the Home Ministry, will handle, among other things, illegal smuggling and human trafficking.

“To be in line with the prime minister’s order to create a new act specifically for the safety of the country, this proactive measure has been taken and supported by various ministries and departments.

“We will see the involvement of the Home Ministry through the police, as well as the involvement of the Immigration Department, Customs Department, National Kenaf and Tobacco Board and others to mobilise their strength for AKS,” he told a press conference at the Putra Perdana Building, here yesterday.

“Most importantly, the upgrading from UPP to AKS will not require any additional cost, additional positions and posts.”

Ahmad Zahid said more than 10,000 personnel from various border security agencies, including the police and the army, will be mobilised to guard the borders on a three-month rotation basis.

He also said the safety gates at the borders will be replaced with electronic systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and drones will be used to monitor the area.

Commenting on the proposed live televised debate between 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) president Arul Kanda Kandasamy and DAP MP Tony Pua, Ahmad Zahid said he welcomed the suggestion and was confident it would provide all answers needed on the matter.