The CIQ complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah. - filepic
BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Operations during the first day of the newly-formed Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) at Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex here went smoothly without problems.
An immigration officer at the ICQS said border procedures remained the same with the process at the checkpoint operating as usual.
“We will continue to monitor the situation,” he said, adding that travellers can expect the same level of service and efficiency as before.
The ICQS at Bukit Kayu Hitam and Rantau Panjang were among 22 checkpoints nationwide that were involved in the initial phase of the transition to AKPS.
A check yesterday showed that unlike the Rantau Panjang ICQS, where the pilot operation began on Jan 1, the officers and personnel on duty at the Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS have yet to wear their AKPS armbands.
On Friday, The Star reported that the first phase of AKPS operations is expected to involve about 22 checkpoints nationwide including Malaysia’s busiest checkpoints, mainly the Johor Causeway and Second Link. Two other checkpoints in Johor will involve the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Pasir Gudang Port.
For the first phase which began on Saturday, AKPS took over five checkpoints in Sabah, four each in Johor and Sarawak, three in Selangor, two in Penang and one each in Kelantan, Kedah, Pahang and Terengganu.
Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS chief SAC Mohd Nasaruddin M. Nasir said with the coordination between various agencies, the use of modern technology and adjustments to the new system, border control was enhanced in a more efficient and secure manner.
“However, certain challenges still need to be addressed, particularly in terms of coordination between agencies, infrastructure capacity improvement, and border security monitoring.
“With continuous improvements, AKPS has the potential to become the best border gate management model in Malaysia.”
He said that the coordination among the various agencies ensured that transition to the new management system did not affect the traffic and security at the Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS.
He said the efficiency of the officers on duty also played a crucial role in ensuring that the takeover did not negatively impact travellers passing through the border checkpoint.
SAC Mohd Nasaruddin said among the government entities under the new agency are the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Road Transport Department, Health Ministry and Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services.
He added these agencies will collaborate in an integrated manner under AKPS, ensuring that border control is organised, efficient, and in line with the national security policy.
