SEPANG, Oct 26 — The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) recorded seizures worth RM322.74 million as of October this year, a fourfold increase from last year, reflecting stronger efforts to curb revenue leakages.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail described the achievement as remarkable, particularly as the agency was still operating with its initial staffing strength two years after its establishment.
AKPS plays a crucial role not only in border security and law enforcement but also in safeguarding government revenue.
“Despite operating with its initial staffing strength, AKPS has achieved extraordinary results, with seizures worth RM322.74 million as of October, a fourfold increase from last year," he said during the agency's second anniversary celebration today.
Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman delivered Saifuddin's speech.
He urged AKPS to intensify enforcement against the smuggling of dutiable goods, prohibited commodities, wildlife, and subsidised products, which caused losses to the country.
The agency was established under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration to replace fragmented border management with an integrated, single-command structure based on the Single Border Agency concept.
Its milestones include implementing a new service scheme on July 1 last year, training 408 pioneer border officers from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, and preparing to secure strategic entry points, including the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link.
Saifuddin added that AKPS has also been appointed to lead the national and border security component of the government's Security Improvement and Mitigation Action Plan, introduced following the detention of a pilot in Jakarta on July 28.
Its responsibilities include risk-based targeted screening, strengthening the K9 detection unit, and improving inter-agency intelligence coordination.
AKPS has also begun coordinating integrated operations under Ops Sundang with the Royal Malaysia Police, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Wildlife and National Parks Department, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.
As AKPS enters its next phase of development, he said its priorities must include uncompromising border security, efficient traveller and trade facilitation, stronger revenue protection, and strict adherence to integrity and standard operating procedures.
