KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency requires a 50 per cent increase in manpower to effectively secure the nation’s borders against intrusion, smuggling and other cross-border crimes, according to its director-general, Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.
He said the agency currently has 6,226 officers and personnel, but studies conducted by its Nucleus Team indicate that at least 13,721 positions are needed to comprehensively monitor all gazetted entry points nationwide, including land, sea and air borders.
“At present, the agency has just over 6,000 personnel. We need more than a 50 per cent increase in strength to ensure the agency is robust and capable of preventing border intrusions, human trafficking, drug smuggling, firearms and contraband,” he said during a special media session in Putrajaya today.
Shuhaily said strengthening manpower would be a key priority next year, with planning already underway, and expressed hope that the government would give due consideration to the agency’s requirements.
“Without these additional positions, it will be difficult for the agency to fully realise the government’s aspiration of ensuring border and entry point security for the safety of Malaysians,” he said.
He added that another major challenge lies in the agency’s current staffing structure, as many officers are seconded from six core agencies — the Customs Department, Immigration Department, Road Transport Department, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), the Health Ministry and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis).
“These officers must still perform their original core duties. For instance, Immigration officers stationed with the agency continue to conduct immigration checks while also carrying out our responsibilities.
“As a result, the agency effectively receives only about 50 per cent of their operational capacity, as the remainder is spent on their original duties. In the long term, the agency is intended to operate as a single enforcement body, with all these roles fully consolidated,” he said.
Shuhaily said that the use of modern technology, including scanning machines, has helped ease operational pressures, although manpower shortages remain a significant concern.
“Even with a shortfall, we must continue to carry out our responsibilities. New recruitment can only begin once the agency’s service scheme is finalised, and we hope the government will expedite this process,” he said.
In a related development, the former Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director stressed the importance of intelligence-led enforcement, particularly through profiling individuals and companies linked to smuggling and contraband activities.
He said the agency has established a dedicated profiling team focused on smuggling-related crimes, targeting individuals and companies with previous records.
“Conducting full inspections on all cargo containers would severely disrupt port operations and economic activity. Therefore, intelligence-based enforcement is a more effective approach,” he said.
“We cannot carry out 100 per cent checks on containers, so it is crucial to build strong intelligence through the analysis of smuggling patterns.
“Cooperation with foreign enforcement agencies and intelligence networks is also vital, particularly in tackling drug and contraband smuggling,” he added.
The profiling team will compile and analyse data on individuals and companies involved in smuggling activities, both locally and internationally, to strengthen enforcement capabilities and enhance national border security. - December 17, 2025
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