PUTRAJAYA: The Government has launched the National Border Security Index (IKSN) as a strategic mechanism to annually measure the effectiveness and preparedness of enforcement agencies guarding Malaysia’s borders.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the index, developed by the Institute of Public Security of Malaysia in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Mara, will utilise data from 31 enforcement agencies to produce a data-driven security performance score.
"What makes this index unique is that it is based on verified data provided by multiple agencies, not just the usual enforcement bodies," he told reporters after the ministry’s monthly assembly on Wednesday (July 16).
He said the ministry had built a cloud-based system where these agencies would upload data twice a year based on fixed key indicators.
"The data will then be compiled and analysed," he said.
The IKSN comprises 58 indicators across sectors, including immigration, maritime security, customs enforcement and anti-smuggling operations.
"The index operates on a five-tier scale (0.0 – 1.0: Very Safe) (1.1 – 2.0: Safe) (2.1 – 3.0: Moderately Safe) (3.1 – 4.0: Less Safe) (4.1 – 5.0: Unsafe).
"Twelve types of cross-border crimes have been identified under the index, including illegal immigration, human trafficking, drug and firearms smuggling and kidnappings for ransoms (KFR)," he added.
Saifuddin said KFR and sea robberies recorded the best performance so far with a score of 0.00, followed closely by firearms smuggling at 0.22.
He also said that the IKSN would serve as a blueprint for asset deployment, personnel allocation and budget planning.
"We will be able to pinpoint which hotspots require more resources, including which agency needs to be mobilised and how many personnel are needed.
"This also helps us make better-informed requests to the Finance Ministry or the Economy Ministry when applying for annual budgets to strengthen our border control," he said.
Saifuddin assured that Malaysia’s borders remain secure, which is vital for national security and maintaining investor confidence.
