AKPS reports RM82.1 million in seizures at entry points, including drugs and medical products, while facing major manpower challenges.
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has recorded seizures valued at nearly RM82.1 million from operations at the country’s entry points so far this year.
AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the total included drug-related seizures worth nearly RM20.2 million.
Health-category seizures involving medical products and chemicals were valued at RM1.4 million.
Seizures by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) contributed nearly RM60 million to the total figure.
Mohd Shuhaily said AKPS officially took over customs inspections on October 1, with related seizures valued at RM222,519 to date.
Seizures involving subsidised goods like diesel and motor vehicles by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) were valued at RM183,590.
He said controlling the country’s official entry points was a highly complex task for the new agency.
AKPS inherited various legacy issues across disciplinary, asset and operational aspects from its core departments.
These agencies include the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Immigration Department, JPJ, Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Ministry of Health and MAQIS.
The agency is currently strengthened by more than 6,000 officers deployed at 22 entry points.
It is scheduled to take over the remaining entry points nationwide, exceeding 120 in total, next year.
“The main challenge is ensuring sufficient manpower to make these entry points secure,” Mohd Shuhaily said.
Findings suggest the optimal strength for AKPS is 13,721 officers, but the current workforce is only about half of that requirement.
Mohd Shuhaily said the use of technology is expected to expedite traveller movement and reduce reliance on manpower.
This includes installing autogates and upgrading the decades-old Malaysian Immigration System.
He urged the public to remain patient as the migration and upgrading process might face early technical disruptions.
System security features will also be enhanced to ensure only eligible individuals are allowed to enter or exit.
AKPS is expected to expand its operational scope to cargo entry points and ports as early as next year.
This expansion will follow the successful stabilisation of traveller-related operations.
Commenting on border control coverage, he said AKPS was expected to assume full responsibility over all entry points.
This is subject to the gazettement of the AKPS Act and the implementation of the second phase of officer deployment.
“This matter is being pursued together with the Attorney-General’s Chambers,” he said.
Mohd Shuhaily stressed that AKPS’ operational achievements proved inherited legacy issues were not solely negative.
“Today’s achievements show that it is not only unfavourable legacy issues that we have inherited,” he said.
He added that officers and legacy achievements must be carried forward. – Bernama
