PORT KLANG, Feb 26 — The government is prepared to support the needs of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), including by providing weapons and safety equipment, to ensure the agency can perform its duties more effectively, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said that as a new agency, AKPS has the flexibility to structure its operations in line with current needs to strengthen security controls at the country’s 122 entry points.
“If it is to enhance the safety of all AKPS personnel, and if there is a need, for example, to use firearms and the like, I leave it entirely to the leadership of AKPS, namely, its director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, to make the necessary arrangements.
“Our role at the ministry, myself and the secretary-general, is to provide support so that the agency can carry out its responsibilities effectively, while ensuring the safety of its personnel,” he said when met after launching Op Khas Pagar Laut 2026 by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here today.
The special operation was launched aboard the Tun Fatimah maritime vessel at the National Hydrography Centre, Lebuh Sungai Chandong, Bandar Armada Putra, here.
Previously, Shuhaily had reportedly said AKPS is assessing the need to equip its officers with firearms and bulletproof vests to ensure their safety while on duty.
Yesterday, a Proton X70 driven by AKPS Bukit Kayu Hitam commander Mohd Nasaruddin Mohd Nasir was shot at around 5.40am on an access road near Muhajirin Mosque, Bukit Kayu Hitam, about 1km from the Malaysian-Thai border.
Nasaruddin, who was on his way to perform Subuh prayers, escaped unhurt.
