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THE nation is stepping up efforts to strengthen national border security through the rapid development of radar systems and the expansion of operational assets to curb cross-border threats, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.
He said urgent coordination among enforcement agencies is essential to address security risks linked to illegal and irresponsible activities along the country’s borders.
Saifuddin said he had conducted a two-week joint inspection involving multiple security agencies, including the police, maritime enforcement authorities and the Eastern Sabah Security Command.
Royal Malaysia Police and other agencies, including the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), participated in the visits covering strategic locations such as Bukit Kayu Hitam, Padang Besar, and several islands off Sabah’s eastern coast.
“In Sabah alone there are 14 inhabited islands and 48 uninhabited islands that have the potential to become intrusion points,” he said during his ministry’s monthly assembly.
He was speaking alongside Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Awang Alik Jeman and Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
Saifuddin said one of the key weaknesses in current border enforcement is the lack of comprehensive radar coverage and limited operational assets, resulting in blind spots along critical stretches.
He said radar systems play a crucial role in providing early intelligence for security forces to detect and respond to threats.
“Through radar, data is analysed and targets are identified before assets are deployed for interception operations. Without sufficient radar coverage, rapid response is difficult,” he said.
He also announced that a new Remote Sensor Site (RSS) will be constructed on Pulau Malawali to strengthen surveillance capabilities in northern Sabah.
The government has allocated RM88 million for the project under the first phase of the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan.
“Currently RSS Balambangan can only monitor about 70 per cent of the northern Sabah area. Once RSS Malawali is completed, it will enable full coverage of the northern region,” he said.
Saifuddin said delays in implementing approved security infrastructure projects must be addressed urgently, stressing that border protection is a matter of national importance.
He added that the construction of six additional security posts in strategic areas should also be expedited to ensure full operational readiness of enforcement agencies.
According to him, while funding approvals have been secured, implementation progress has not yet reached a satisfactory level, requiring immediate attention to avoid continued exposure to security vulnerabilities along Malaysia’s borders. - May 4, 2026
