PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain aims to establish the agency as one that commands high respect for the integrity and steadfast determination of its officers in combating crime.
He added that the priority now is to instil the “AKPS spirit” so that every member understands the agency’s goals and their roles in protecting the nation’s borders.
“I want AKPS to be a dignified agency. Our motto, ‘United at the border, respected on the global stage’, reflects our commitment to building a reputation that commands respect,” he told reporters after a townhall session with AKPS officers in conjunction with the agency’s one-year anniversary on Friday.
The former Bukit Aman CID director said he wants people “flying into Malaysia to think twice” before crossing the country’s immigration and customs lines.
Commenting on the agency’s first-year anniversary, he acknowledged that the formation of the agency was challenging due to the integration of officers from diverse agencies, such as the Immigration and Customs departments, the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services department (Maqis), and the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), under a single umbrella.
“This process is like a corporate merger. Some officers were hesitant, while others are still adjusting, but I am grateful that my team is strong and committed.
“To date, AKPS has about 6,215 officers, including 1,053 customs officers who joined us recently.
“It is a challenge to integrate officers from the different agencies under AKPS,” he added.
Comm Mohd Shuhaily, who was appointed to head the agency on July 1 of this year, said the most difficult part of his first 100 days has been managing the cultural and operational differences between the various agencies.
“It is only natural for officers to feel reluctant or uncomfortable when they are asked to join a newly established agency.
“Each agency comes with its doctrine, discipline level and work culture. I need to design a comprehensive training programme that unifies our officers and instils the ‘soul of AKPS’,” he said.
On future operations, he said technology such as automated gates for passengers and AI-based scanners for cargo will eventually enable AKPS officers to perform multitasking roles, replacing the need for separate agency officers at the border.
“Eventually, there will no longer be Immigration, Customs or Maqis officers at entry points – only AKPS officers,” he said.
On another matter, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said AKPS has received an overwhelming response from military veterans seeking to join the agency. “The response has been extraordinary,” he added.
He said the move to rope in military veterans is part of the agency’s strategy to build a credible, efficient and respected border force based on their experiences and discipline.
He added the government allocated funds for the agency, under Budget 2026, to recruit Armed Forces veterans on contract.
The recruitment will follow a contractual model similar to the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), which has successfully deployed veterans for nearly four years, he said.
“It is not a permanent civil service appointment,” he said.
During his Budget 2026 speech, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that priority would be given to appointing officers from among military veterans to meet the manpower needs of 220 positions required by AKPS to ensure full operational readiness.
Meanwhile, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said his contract will end on July 1, 2027, while July 12 marks his 30th year of service, making him eligible for optional retirement.
