AKPS FREE TO ACT WITHOUT COMPROMISE AGAINST CORRUPT OFFICERS - SAIFUDDIN NASUTION

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has been given full autonomy to act decisively and without compromise against any of its officers or staff found to have violated ethics and integrity in the course of their duties, said Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said the arrest of 29 AKPS officers and personnel, on suspicion of corruption and abuse of power, demonstrated that misconduct cases within the agency were not being concealed under the pretext of safeguarding its reputation.

Saifuddin Nasution said the arrests underscored that there would be no compromise against any violations of ethics, discipline and integrity.

“I have no doubt whatsoever in the ability of the AKPS leadership to ensure that integrity is upheld. Should any breach occur, firm action will be taken, and the matter will be reported to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC),” he said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat, today.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), on the action taken against AKPS personnel detained on suspicion of corruption and abuse of power, including alleged counter-setting activities, as well as the need to increase the number of AKPS personnel at the country’s entry points.

Commenting further, Saifuddin Nasution said AKPS works closely with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Immigration Department, to ensure that its officers and staff uphold integrity in the performance of their duties. This includes enforcement of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, which provide for disciplinary action, including dismissal.

On the issue of staffing capacity, he said the recruitment of AKPS personnel would be carried out in stages, with priority given to high-risk and high-traffic entry points.

“To date, a total of 6,866 personnel, from various agencies, have been deployed to guard 122 active entry points, out of the country’s 140 entry points.

“Ideally, 13,721 personnel are required. However, recruitment will be carried out in phases. The latest phase includes the approval to recruit 200 former military personnel, and we will fulfil the recruitment,” he said.

-- BERNAMA