PORT KLANG: The government has agreed to equip the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) with necessary armaments, with procurement to begin before year-end, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said the matter had been discussed in ministry meetings, and that the Cabinet agreed on the need after an incident involving Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS commander Senior Asst Comm Mohd Nasaruddin Mohd Nasir in February.
“We have agreed on the need for armaments, but the type has yet to be decided.
“There are various options such as taser guns or light weapons like pistols.
“Both options are being studied by the Home Ministry’s secretary-general, in line with Cabinet instructions that I have conveyed for implementation.
“Whether they are equipped first with taser guns, pistols or both is still being studied,” he said after attending the Home Ministry’s programme to release the ashes of Quranic texts and materials, formed into blocks, into the sea aboard the maritime vessel KM Tun Fatimah yesterday.
Saifuddin Nasution said the matter cannot be delayed any longer given the high-risk nature of AKPS duties, adding that further developments will be announced in due course, Bernama reported.
Previously, he was reported as saying that the government is prepared to support AKPS’ needs, including armaments and safety equipment, to ensure the agency can carry out its responsibilities more effectively.
On Feb 25, a car driven by SAC Mohd Nasaruddin was reportedly shot at around 5.40am at a slip road near Masjid Muhajirin in Bukit Kayu Hitam, about one kilometre from the Malaysia-Thailand border.
SAC Mohd Nasaruddin, who was on his way to perform subuh prayers, escaped unharmed.
