PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency requires a 50% increase in manpower to effectively safeguard the country’s borders against intrusion, smuggling and other cross-border crimes, says Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.
Its director-general said the agency currently has 6,226 officers and personnel, but based on studies conducted by the agency’s Nucleus Team, at least 13,721 positions are needed to comprehensively monitor all gazetted entry points nationwide, including land, sea and air borders.
“At present, the agency has just over 6,000 personnel. We need more than 50% additional strength to make this agency solid and capable of preventing border intrusions, human trafficking, drug smuggling, firearms and contraband,” he said during a special media session on Tuesday (Dec 16).
Comm Mohd Shuhaily said strengthening manpower would be a key agenda for the agency next year, with planning already underway this year, and expressed hope that the government would prioritise the agency’s needs.
"Without these additional positions, it will be difficult for the agency to fully realise the government’s aspiration of ensuring border and entry point security for the safety of Malaysians,” he added.
Another major challenge the agency faces is that many of its officers are seconded from six core agencies: the Customs Department, Immigration Department, Road Transport Department, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), Health Ministry, and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis), Comm Mohd Shuhaily said.
“These officers still have to carry out their original core duties. For example, Immigration officers stationed at the agency must continue immigration checks while also performing the agency's responsibilities.
“As a result, what the agency effectively receives is about 50% of their operational capacity, as the other half is spent on their original duties. In the future, the agency is intended to function as a single enforcement agency, where all these roles will be fully consolidated,” he said.
Comm Mohd Shuhaily said that the use of modern technology, including scanning machines, has helped to ease operational burdens, although manpower shortages remain a key concern.
“Even with a 50% shortfall in manpower, we must continue carrying out our responsibilities. New recruitment can only take place once the agency service scheme is established, and we hope the government will expedite this,” he said.
In a related development, the former Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director emphasised the importance of intelligence-led enforcement, particularly through profiling individuals and companies linked to smuggling and contraband activities.
“At the agency, we have established a profiling team that focuses on smuggling crimes, targeting individuals and companies with prior records,” he said.
He explained that conducting full inspections on all cargo containers would severely disrupt port operations and economic activities, making intelligence-based enforcement a more effective approach.
"For example, we cannot perform 100% checks on containers; thus, it is important to establish strong intelligence through the profiling of smuggling patterns.
“Intelligence networks and cooperation with foreign enforcement agencies are crucial in combating smuggling, especially involving drugs and contraband,” he added.
The profiling team would be tasked with compiling and analysing data on individuals and companies involved in smuggling activities, locally and internationally, to enhance the agency’s enforcement capabilities and strengthen national border security.
