Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman proposes reviving an NTF-style multi-agency framework to reinforce Malaysia’s border security.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) has submitted a proposal to the National Security Council (NSC) to reinstate a multi-agency operational framework modelled on the National Task Force (NTF) to bolster national border security.
Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman said the proposal, submitted through the National Operational Management Committee, would bring together various agencies including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), and the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM).
He said the strategic coordination of enforcement agencies has proven more effective in addressing security vulnerabilities along the country’s land and maritime borders.
“We executed this (integrated operation) previously via the NTF during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it proved effective in coordinating multi-agency efforts before the mechanism was changed for specific reasons.
“Therefore, I believe elements of that approach should be reinstated, even if not on a large scale, to address current security challenges and vulnerabilities,” he said during a Special Media Interview with the Chief of Defence Forces in conjunction with the 93rd MAF Day at Wisma Pertahanan here today.
Malek Razak said the MAF conducts round-the-clock surveillance along the national border and regularly detains intruders, though not all cases are reported to the media.
“Malaysia also maintains close cooperation with neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Indonesia to tackle cross-border security issues through intelligence sharing,” he explained.
Touching on integrity issues, he said the main measure against corruption at the border is instilling integrity and high moral values among personnel.
The NTF, was established to carry out Op Benteng to curb the influx of illegal immigrants during the pandemic in 2020, was officially disbanded on Dec 31, 2022.
