BUKIT KAYU HITAM, March 11 — The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has stepped up surveillance and inspections at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex, following the crisis in West Asia, which has affected global oil prices.
Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS commander SAC Mohd Nasaruddin M Nasir said the move is to ensure that no parties take advantage of the current situation to carry out smuggling activities, particularly involving subsidised goods.
Over 300 AKPS personnel have been deployed at the complex to conduct border control and vehicle inspections at the entry point.
“Of the total, more than 100 personnel are assigned in each shift, to ensure that operations can be carried out continuously,” he told Bernama today.
Nasaruddin added that operations are conducted in two main shifts: the first runs from 6am to 3pm, and the second from 2pm to 12am.
Inspections are currently more focused on commercial vehicles to detect attempts to smuggle subsidised goods, including diesel, petrol, cooking oil, and other controlled items, out of the country illegally to neighbouring countries.
“Inspections involve document checks, physical inspections of vehicles, and monitoring the type and quantity of cargo, to ensure compliance with the stipulated regulations,” he said.
AKPS is also working closely with enforcement agencies, including the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, to ensure border control is carried out in an integrated manner.
Nasaruddin said the agency remains committed to ensuring the security and sovereignty of the nation’s borders, while curbing any smuggling activities which could affect its econo’s economy and the supply of subsidised goods to the people.
