SUNGAI BULOH: Authorities insist border enforcement will be further strengthened after a senior officer was shot at in Bukit Kayu Hitam.
Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) deputy director-general (management) Ismail Mokhtar said the agency would not compromise when it comes to threats against its personnel.
Ismail stressed that AKPS, a newly established agency consisting of multiple enforcement bodies at entry points, would not compromise when it comes to threats against its personnel.
“As you know, AKPS is a new branch. We are in the process of taking advice from various agencies.
“We are gathering views from the operational side and also in terms of assets,” he said during a press conference in Sungai Buloh.
He added that strengthening measures would include reviewing standard security controls and acting on advice from the relevant security committees, including the possible use of appropriate weapons and equipment to protect officers.
ALSO READ: Shooting incident only strengthens our resolve to defend nation's borders, says AKPS
“For this case, we are not weakening our morale. We will continue the control as we did, and we will intensify it again.
“The minister himself has made it clear – we will not compromise on threats to our officers,” he said.
When asked whether bodyguards would be considered for commanders in high-risk areas, Ismail said the agency would assess needs based on risk categories across its 22 branches nationwide.
“We will not treat all 22 branches the same. Each has its own category. Some are hotspots, some are ordinary,” he said.
“At airports, our role is more towards facilitation. In Bukit Kayu Hitam, we are more towards enforcement. So we will look at the categories and take the necessary measures.”
He said discussions would continue with enforcement partners and that the formation of a special team to enhance officer safety was being considered.
“There might be a special team to ensure the safety of officers, like other people have. We are looking to intensify our forces, our research teams and the teams under our control,” he said.
