AKPS lacking manpower to ‘optimally’ manage borders, says minister
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says the home ministry is creating and filling new posts in the agency, prioritising operations at entry points with higher risks, traffic, and cargo.
Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has stated that the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) is struggling to adequately manage the nation's borders due to a shortage of personnel. AKPS, which recently assumed responsibility for border control from various agencies including the immigration and customs departments, currently employs 8,403 individuals.
However, Saifuddin clarified that this workforce size is deemed inadequate to effectively manage all 123 entry points across the country. During a parliamentary exchange, the minister highlighted that AKPS is actively expanding its workforce, focusing on high-risk, high-traffic, and high-cargo entry points. This personnel expansion is planned to take place over a five-year period.
The agency is also streamlining its personnel deployment, taking into account factors such as risk levels and operational requirements, to make the most efficient use of its human resources while maintaining robust border security. AKPS is collaborating with other essential agencies throughout this transitional phase, providing operational coordination, resource sharing, and enforcement assistance as necessary.
Minister Saifuddin was responding to inquiries from Khlir Nor (Bersatu-Ketereh) regarding the measures the ministry is taking to address the AKPS's manpower deficit. Upon the agency's establishment, AKPS had 8,403 positions allocated to it.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
