AKPS TO EXPAND OPERATIONS AT 125 INTERNATIONAL ENTRY POINTS NEXT YEAR

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) will expand its operational responsibilities at 125 international entry points that are still active nationwide beginning January next year.

Its director-general, Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said this move will be implemented to ensure a more uniform, integrated, and efficient border control and facilitation system

"AKPS is now moving into the second phase of implementation, namely the takeover of the remaining international entry points that are still active nationwide. This phase is planned to be implemented in stages and is expected to be completed by January 2026," he said when speaking at the AKPS's first anniversary celebration here today.

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Mohd Shuhaily said since operating under the Home Ministry (KDN) at the beginning of this year, AKPS had focused its efforts to strengthen operational integrity and efficiency as well as to form a strategic direction and long-term development plan, including strengthening human resource capacity.

He said since full operations began on Jan 1, AKPS had taken over the functions and positions of six core agencies at border gates and national checkpoints, namely the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), MAQIS (Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services),  Ministry of Health, Perhilitan (Wildlife and National Parks Department ) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Mohd Shuhaily said that in the period of a year, among AKPS’ main achievements were drafting and gazetting the AKPS Act 2024 [Act 860] and commencing official operations at 22 land, sea, and air entry points under the First Phase of the implementation of the act.

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Additionally, he said that standardisation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and development of officer competencies to strengthen the professionalism and integrity of the agency were also implemented.

“Early this October, 1,053 JKDM officers were absorbed into AKPS, bringing the total strength of AKPS personnel to 6,215 officers and staff.

“This brings new challenges because the task of inspecting goods at 22 entry points has been handed over to AKPS operationally, a new responsibility not only to AKPS, but to the Home Ministry in general,” he said.

Mohd Shuhaily said to strengthen the long-term direction, the agency is now preparing the AKPS Strategic Plan which will be the main guide in strengthening the organisational structure, expanding operations and improving service efficiency.

“This Strategy Plan will outline five main agendas as mandated by the Prime Minister, namely facilitating trade and tourism, increasing national revenue, closing government revenue leakage, and strengthening the integrity and professionalism of officers,” he said.

In addition, he said AKPS also prioritises the development of smart border technology involving the use of integrated biometric systems, automatic scanning of cargo, and real-time data integration based on artificial intelligence (AI).

-- BERNAMA