BUKIT KAYU HITAM – Border control operations, including area patrols, in the northern part of the peninsula will be implemented in an integrated manner by relevant security agencies, beginning January.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the move, which will involve three agencies, namely police, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and Malaysian Border Security Agency, was among enhancements to increase border control effectiveness.
“Currently, in terms of control, we divide the areas. For example, the area here is taken care of by MAF under Op Pagar 2, while other areas are taken care of by police (under the General Operations Force).
“Beginning next year, we will start Op Benteng as implemented in other areas, especially in marine ones, such as the west coast of the peninsula, as well as Sabah and Sarawak, which is an integrated operation,” he said in a press conference here today.
He said the move will enable security forces patrolling together to detain intruders in accordance with provisions of the law, under the jurisdiction of the relevant agencies.
“In terms of (law enforcement) power, MAF has no power to arrest, so when there is an intrusion, police will be called to assist in terms of arrests. MAF can only act against those who are considered enemies of the country.
“In a situation where illegal immigrants and smugglers enter Malaysia, they are not considered enemies of the country even though MAF controls the border, so police or the security agency can take action (in those instances),” he said.
Ismail said the government will build two coordinated control posts in Padang Terap, which will involve cooperation with security agencies in neighbouring countries to strengthen border control in the area.
He said assets such as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and drones will be increased beginning January, adding that his ministry will propose to the National Security Council to provide allocations to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and build radars at the country’s borders.
“I have been made to understand that they (intruders) know the timing of our border control patrols, so with the use of drones, CCTVs and radars, we can detect all movements at the border.” – Bernama, December 12, 2020
