SEPANG: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) is set to expand its ranks through its Malaysian Border Guard (MBG) initiative, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said the government has allocated funds to enable the recruitment of up to 200 MBG personnel, consisting of Armed Forces veterans, this year.
"The first phase involving 50 recruits has been completed, with more intakes to follow.
"These personnel have been deployed at key entry points, including Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Port Klang," he told reporters after a working visit to the airport on Tuesday (May 5).
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Saifuddin Nasution noted that the recruits come from diverse backgrounds, some of them being former commandos and drill instructors, and their performance so far has been encouraging.
"I am open to proposals from the AKPS director-general if this recruitment approach continues to add value to the organisation.
"The ministry will support further recruitment through this method," he said.
He added that 18 newly-trained personnel have already been stationed at KLIA, while a second intake is in progress and expected to be completed within the year.
Saifuddin Nasution said discussions had been held with the ministry’s secretary-general on equipping AKPS personnel with weapons as part of its long-term direction.
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"There have been suggestions to begin with the use of taser guns, as not all situations at border areas require firearms. This will be studied further.
"However, in principle, will AKPS move towards the use of weapons? The answer is yes," he said.
Saifuddin stressed that personnel operating in high-risk areas would be given appropriate preparation and support, noting that their duties differ significantly from other roles.
"They have undergone psychological and skills training as a professional security force.
"Those with prior experience in enforcement agencies, such as the police, already possess firearms handling skills. We only need to equip them accordingly," he added.
