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BORDER enforcement chiefs across the country have been placed on heightened alert following the shooting of the Bukit Kayu Hitam commander, in what authorities believe may be a backlash against an intensified crackdown on smuggling syndicates.
Senior Assistant Commissioner Mohd Nasaruddin Mohd Nasir escaped injury after two shots were fired at his Proton X70 at about 5.40am near the slip road to Masjid Al Muhajirin, roughly one kilometre from the Malaysia–Thailand border.
He was reportedly on his way to perform dawn prayers when two unidentified men on a motorcycle opened fire.
The Director-General of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, said the possibility that the attack was linked to recent enforcement successes could not be ruled out.
He revealed that commanders had been cautioned weeks earlier to remain vigilant against threats from criminal elements affected by stricter enforcement.
“So, we have taken note (of the risk of threats), and this morning we did not expect it to reach that level,” he told reporters at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex here.
Mohd Shuhaily said the agency, established only 14 months ago, had applied sustained pressure on cross-border criminal networks through firm and consistent operations.
“The agency is only 14 months old, and to face such pressure or threats, of course, it shows that we have exerted pressure on those who have long broken the law. Who would dare to do such a thing if they did not feel pressured?
“In these 14 months, my officers have carried out their duties with sincerity and honesty. Perhaps once routine activities have now become difficult to carry out, and that has led to such a reaction,” he said.
He disclosed that Bukit Kayu Hitam recently recorded its highest-ever seizures of smuggled goods, valued at more than RM3.1 million, during an integrated operation conducted between 15 January and 15 February.
“It is a record for the Bukit Kayu Hitam entry point that has never been achieved before. That record carries the risk we faced this morning,” he said.
The director-general added that the agency enjoyed full backing from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, including support to enhance security provisions for personnel.
He said the Prime Minister had telephoned him early in the morning and requested details on improvements that could be made within the agency.
“Among the matters we are looking at is that our officers are not supplied with firearms … that is one scope that may be improved in the near future, along with bulletproof vests and other equipment to ensure my officers can work more safely,” he said.
Mohd Shuhaily urged the public to remain calm, describing the incident as isolated and not involving civilians. Operations at the Bukit Kayu Hitam entry point continue as normal.
On Mohd Nasaruddin’s condition, he said the commander was stable, composed and determined to continue his duties.
“He comes from a unit that is trained, not ordinary. Trained to control emotions and reactions. We see that he is calm and safe, praise be to God, and still committed to his duties. That is what we want from all officers and personnel here in Bukit Kayu Hitam,” he said.
In a separate statement issued in Putrajaya, the agency declared that the attack would not dampen morale but would instead reinforce its resolve to safeguard national borders.
“The agency will continue to ensure that every national entry point remains secure, controlled and sovereign, and will never compromise with any threat that seeks to undermine the security, peace and sovereignty of the nation,” the statement read.
It added that Bukit Kayu Hitam had received several threats in recent weeks and that any act of intimidation or violence against security personnel would be treated as a serious criminal offence.
Saifuddin confirmed that additional security measures had been activated at all national entry points, saying the authorities viewed the shooting with gravity while expressing relief that Mohd Nasaruddin was unharmed.
“The details of the security measures will be announced soon,” he told the New Straits Times.
The incident has prompted defiant responses within the ranks. Port Klang commander Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal said officers were fully aware of the risks associated with frontline enforcement.
“I’m a cop. I signed up to serve, and I knew the risks when I took the oath,” he said.
“Think of the long line of people who have faced much worse to keep this country moving forward. I’m proud to stand in that line.
“If it does happen, say a little prayer for me,” he added. - February 26, 2026