Chief of Defence Force: MAF proposes reinstating multi‑agency border‑security framework used under former national task force

On September 14, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) submitted a proposal to the National Security Council to reintroduce a multi-agency border-security framework reminiscent of the former National Task Force (NTF). Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman explained that the proposal, submitted via the National Operational Management Committee, would unite various agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

Gen Sulaiman stated that strategic coordination between enforcement agencies has been more effective in tackling security vulnerabilities along Malaysia's land and maritime borders. The NTF, which was active during the Covid-19 pandemic, proved successful in coordinating multi-agency efforts before being disbanded in December 2022.

The MAF conducts 24/7 surveillance and regularly apprehends intruders, though not all cases are publicly reported. Malaysia also maintains close cooperation with neighboring countries like Thailand and Indonesia to address cross-border security issues through intelligence sharing. The primary measure against corruption at the border involves instilling integrity and strong moral values in personnel.