Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat that the government is intensifying border security through AI-powered CCTV, expanded K9 deployments, and multi-agency coordination to stop drug and contraband smuggling.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is stepping up border security through enhanced inspections, AI-powered surveillance and better coordination among enforcement agencies to curb drug and contraband smuggling, particularly at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Subang Airport.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said breaches of border security and smuggling involving drugs, prohibited goods and firearms posed serious threats to national security.
“Any breach of border security or violation of regulations, particularly involving smuggling, is a serious matter. Whether it involves drugs, prohibited goods or firearms, these activities must not be allowed to continue,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said the government had introduced new agencies and measures to address the problem, with the Home Ministry coordinating efforts with other ministries and agencies, including the Transport Ministry, Royal Malaysian Customs Department and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.
Anwar said 93 arrests had been made between January and October this year in connection with attempted drug smuggling, with 2.56kg of drugs seized, carrying an estimated value of RM202.7 million.
He added that enforcement operations involving the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) had resulted in 44 seizure cases worth RM11.22 million.
A further 41 seizure cases, involving goods worth RM42.38 million, were recorded between August and October following the implementation of an action plan.
“This shows that enforcement operations are ongoing and must be further intensified,” he said.
Anwar was responding to Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), who asked about measures to strengthen security controls and address coordination weaknesses among enforcement agencies following an increase in drug and contraband smuggling through the country’s entry points, particularly KLIA and Subang Airport.
He said special inspection operations had been expanded, with K9 units deployed to detect drugs following previous concerns over physical searches.
The inspections covered 3,637 flights, involving 19,721 flight crew members, 438,000 passenger pat-downs and checks on 599,700 pieces of baggage.
The operations covered flights to destinations including Indonesia, London, Paris, Singapore, Kolkata, Tiruchirappalli, Delhi, Hong Kong, Doha and Auckland.
Anwar said several prohibited items had been detected during the inspections.
Among the latest measures introduced were AI-powered analytical closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, the deployment of police and Customs K9 units at baggage sorting areas, and the National Immigration Command Centre to facilitate real-time coordination among enforcement agencies.
He said the government was also looking into modernising security assets and infrastructure to further strengthen border controls.
Anwar stressed that enforcement efforts should not be confined to ports and airports, as smuggling networks could operate from other locations.
Citing a recent operation, he congratulated the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Criminal Investigation Department for arresting 282 local and foreign nationals linked to several organised crime groups, including those known as Winbox and Alibaba.
“This is firm action that we should be proud of. It is not just about talking, but taking action.
“The two-day operation by the Criminal Investigation Department resulted in a significant number of arrests and disrupted several groups operating in the country,” he said.
