SEPANG: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection (AKPS) operational capabilities must be strengthened to curb smuggling along the nation's borders effectively, says Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.
The newly appointed director-general stated that, for the moment, the agency still required the assistance of other relevant agencies.
"However, we are working towards strengthening our operational and intelligence gathering capabilities.
"There are a lot of challenges, but we are working towards that," he told reporters after his working visit to KL International Airport (KLIA) on Tuesday (July 8).
Comm Shuhaily said the agency was still sorting several matters, including human resources, infrastructure and standard operating procedures, which require close attention.
“We are still in the process of taking over human resources and assets.
"We are in charge of 22 entry points, but some still do not have commanders.
"However, we have already placed commanders at high-priority locations," he added.
Comm Shuhaily said the agency was currently operating under its first phase of planning since taking control of the nation’s entry points, while phase two was initially expected to begin in October.
"However, the timeline could be adjusted to ensure the agency is fully prepared.
"I will request with the relevant authorities to give us more space and opportunity if I find the effort to make the agency effective requires more time," he said.
