CUSTOMS BACKS BORDER AGENCY’S ROLE IN STRENGTHENING NATIONAL SECURITY

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) has expressed full support for the government’s efforts to strengthen national security through the implementation of strategic policies aimed at enhancing border enforcement, which will see inspection functions at the country’s entry points taken over by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).

RMCD director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin, in a statement today, said the gradual takeover began on Jan 1 at Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, while the second phase involving 21 additional entry points commenced on Feb 2.

“In line with this implementation, RMCD has transferred a total of 1,053 staffing warrants to AKPS, involving eight officers in Rantau Panjang on Jan 1 and 1,045 officers at 21 entry points on Oct 1, 2025,” she said.

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She said with the takeover, AKPS was now fully responsible for carrying out all inspection functions at border entry points, including checks on the movement of individuals, vehicles and trade goods, which were previously handled by RMCD.

RMCD, meanwhile, will continue to function as the country’s main indirect tax collection agency at all land, sea and air entry points, focusing on its core role of tax assessment and collection.

“The strengthening of AKPS’s role at the borders is expected to enhance efforts to combat smuggling and cross-border crime more effectively, in order to safeguard public safety and preserve national sovereignty.

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“RMCD is optimistic that close cooperation between AKPS and RMCD will ensure the smooth clearance of goods and movement of individuals at the borders, while contributing to higher national revenue collection and improving service quality at entry points,” said Anis Rizana.

In a separate statement, AKPS said it was confident that with RMCD’s support, including the transfer of 1,045 officers at 21 entry points beginning Oct 1, its role and functions at entry points will be further strengthened.

“In this regard, AKPS will continue to enhance enforcement, control and security at the country’s entry points,” the statement said, adding that the agency looked forward to stronger cooperation with RMCD in realising the government’s aspirations of securing the nation’s borders for the well-being of all Malaysians.

-- BERNAMA