MALAYSIA is turning to technology, including drones and artificial intelligence (AI), while expanding intelligence cooperation with neighbouring countries to strengthen security along its borders.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said border control could no longer depend entirely on the number of personnel deployed, given the vast areas that needed to be monitored.
He said KDNKA was looking at technology-based enforcement measures, including the use of drones, improved intelligence-sharing mechanisms and AI applications to enhance surveillance capabilities.
“The country’s borders are very wide, from Perlis to Kelantan, as well as Sabah and Sarawak.”
“Technology will help improve patrols and enforcement efforts, allowing us to deal with illegal activities along the border more effectively,” he said.
Mohd Yusri was speaking at a press conference on Op Taring at the Central Brigade headquarters of the General Operations Force (GOF) today.
He said smuggling activities remained a cross-border issue that required close cooperation with neighbouring countries, particularly through joint operations, integrated patrols and intelligence exchanges.
He added that PDRM’s role was focused on securing border areas, while official entry points were managed by the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) together with other enforcement agencies.
Mohd Yusri said Malaysia and Thailand had recently agreed to strengthen cooperation on border security following a meeting in Bangkok involving the Malaysian Armed Forces, PDRM and their Thai counterparts.
The cooperation includes joint operations, intelligence sharing and regular discussions between both sides to improve efforts against cross-border crimes.
Meanwhile, he said cooperation from communities living near border areas remained important in helping authorities detect illegal activities.
The GOF currently operates 178 control posts nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak, with personnel maintaining engagement with local residents through community policing programmes.
Mohd Yusri said information provided by residents had helped authorities uncover cases involving smuggling of undocumented migrants, contraband and controlled goods such as petrol, diesel, rice, flour and cooking gas.
“Good relations with local communities are important. When people have confidence in the authorities, they are more willing to share information that can assist enforcement efforts,” he said. – August 6, 2026
