Groups hope that checkpoint clearance will be better managed at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar CIQ, one of the two land ports of entry to Malaysia via the Causeway. — Filepic
Smoother and more efficient border clearance is expected once the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) takes over operations at all international gateways nationwide by January next year.
Malaysian Tourist Guides Council (MTGC) president Jimmy Leong said faster and improved clearance procedures, while maintaining national security, would be crucial to driving the country’s economy.
“We welcome the move to have AKPS in charge of our borders. The tourism industry has long called for Malaysia to have a single border agency.
“With only AKPS overseeing the borders, we expect checkpoint clearance to be better managed than before,” he said.
Leong noted that Malaysia’s international checkpoints had become increasingly busy.
“This is especially true at the land crossings with Singapore, via the Causeway and Second Link in Johor Baru and Iskandar Puteri respectively.
“More than half of foreign tourists entering Malaysia come through these two routes.
“AKPS should ensure that all counters at both Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) and Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ (KSAB) remain open at all times,” he added.
Teh says having a single agency for border matters will benefit those in import and export.
Meanwhile, South Johor SME Association adviser Teh Kee Sin said having a single agency for border matters would benefit both travellers and businesses involved in import and export.
“A single agency will help standardise processes and avoid overlapping responsibilities in goods clearance.
“We hope that when AKPS takes over border operations, there will be no disruption to travel,” he said.
Teh added that delivery delays at checkpoints could be costly for local small and medium enterprises that relied on timely cross-border movement.
On Oct 18, AKPS announced that it was expected to take over the operations of all 125 international gateways nationwide by January 2026.
Its director-general Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the agency had entered the second phase of its implementation plan, which involved assuming control of all remaining active international entry points across the country.
“The phase will be carried out in stages.
“With this expansion, AKPS can ensure a more uniform, integrated and efficient border control and facilitation system.”
Leong says improved clearance procedures will be crucial to driving the country’s economy.
As a relatively young agency, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said AKPS was currently focusing on shaping its strategic direction and long-term development plan, including strengthening its human resources.
“We will develop the AKPS Strategic Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for structural enhancement, operational expansion and improved service efficiency.
“We will also utilise smart border technologies such as an integrated biometric system, automated cargo scanning, real-time data integration and AI-driven analytics.”
He said Oct 17 was chosen as the agency’s first anniversary date to commemorate the gazettement of the AKPS Act 2024 (Act 860) on the same day last year.
“It was a historic milestone, marking AKPS’ official recognition as an agency under the Home Ministry,” he added.
Comm Mohd Shuhaily said AKPS would handle the functions and responsibilities of six core departments and ministries operating along the country’s borders and checkpoints.
“These are the Immigration Department, Customs Department, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department, Health Ministry, Wildlife and National Parks Department and the Road Transport Department,” he said.
According to him, the transfer of 1,053 Customs officers to the agency earlier this month raised AKPS’ manpower to 6,215 personnel.
“This transition brings new challenges, as Customs inspection duties at 22 entry points have now been fully handed over to AKPS – a major responsibility not only for the agency, but also for the Home Ministry,” he said.
Comm Mohd Shuhaily said AKPS’ key achievements in its first year included the commencement of operations at 22 land, sea and air entry points, and the standardisation of operating procedures to strengthen professionalism and integrity.
“With phase two now underway, AKPS is on track to become the nation’s primary border authority, equipped with modern technology, strengthened manpower and a clear strategic vision for safer, smarter and more efficient borders,” he added.
