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

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) has proposed restoring a multi-agency operational framework similar to the National Task Force (NTF) to enhance national border security, according to the National Security Council (NSC). Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman detailed the proposal submitted through the National Operational Management Committee, which aims to unite various agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), and the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) for strategic coordination.

This approach was previously effective during the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically through the NTF, to tackle security vulnerabilities along Malaysia's land and maritime borders. Malek Razak emphasized that the MAF maintains continuous surveillance along the national border and detains intruders regularly, although not all incidents are publicly reported.

Additionally, Malaysia collaborates closely with neighboring countries like Thailand and Indonesia on cross-border security matters through intelligence sharing. The NTF, which was established to manage illegal immigration during the pandemic in 2020, was officially disbanded on December 31, 2022.