BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Security at the Bukit Kayu Hitam border checkpoint cannot be taken lightly following a shooting involving unknown assailants on Wednesday, says the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).
AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the agency, which is just 14 months old, has made a clear impact on enforcement, particularly through an integrated operation carried out at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex from Jan 15 to Feb 15.
He said seizures worth RM3.1mil at the ICQS alone during that period may have put pressure on those involved in illegal activities.
“Early this morning, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim contacted me and told me to inform him of whatever AKPS needs so he can assist.
“One of the issues here is that AKPS officers are not supplied with firearms. That is something we may need to improve soon, along with bulletproof vests and other equipment to ensure my officers can work safely,” he said.
He was speaking after meeting Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS commander Senior Asst Comm Mohd Nasaruddin M Nasir, who narrowly escaped being shot by two men on a motorcycle near Masjid Al-Muhajirin early Wednesday.
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Shuhaily also held a closed-door meeting with all AKPS personnel in Bukit Kayu Hitam following the first such incident involving the enforcement agency.
He revealed that about four weeks ago, a reminder had been issued to all AKPS commanders about possible criminal threats and intimidation against their officers.
“We took it seriously, but we did not expect them to act to this extent. What happened clearly shows that there are people who are truly affected by our enforcement.
“No one would go to such lengths unless they felt pressured. I told my officers that what they have done over the past 14 months was carried out with sincerity and integrity,” he said.
“Perhaps activities that were once easy to carry out have now become difficult, and that may have led to such a reaction,” he added.
In the 5.40am incident, Mohd Nasaruddin was attacked by two armed men on a motorcycle who tailed him while he was on his way to perform Subuh prayers.
The first shot, fired from about one metre away, hit the rear right door of the Proton X70 he was driving. The second shot passed him as he lowered the window of the SUV.
He was not injured and attempted to chase the suspects, who fled towards the Bukit Kayu Hitam Industrial Area. Investigations are ongoing.
