Home Ministry to study Turkey’s border control operation

Cementing ties: Hamzah (left) with Erdogan in Turkey.

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia wants to tap into Turkey’s experience and expertise in handling border encroachment to deal with the same issue in this country.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin is with a delegation in Turkey to gain insight into how the country uses technology and strategic assets to manage the issue.

According to the Home Ministry, Hamzah will visit targeted operation locations, specially arranged by the Turkish government.

“Turkey is recognised for having world-class technology, systems and security assets.

“The ministry believes this official visit will help improve policies, enforcement and acquisition of strategic assets for border control enforcement and surveillance activities,” it said in a statement yesterday.

Hamzah’s delegation includes Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani and Immigration director-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud.

The ministry added that one of Malaysia’s perennial problems is the encroachment of its borders by foreigners, with thousands arrested every year for attempting to enter the country illegally.

While in Turkey, Hamzah also called on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“At the meeting, President Erdogan and the Home Minister discussed initiatives to expand existing cooperation and sharing of knowledge and experiences, particularly to strengthen border control,” it said.