KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is studying the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered predictive analytics and expanding the deployment of drones to strengthen surveillance and enforcement in the northern waters of Peninsular Malaysia, says Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
The Deputy Home Minister said the measures form part of the ministry’s efforts to enhance border security and combat cross-border crimes such as migrant smuggling and the trafficking of controlled goods, particularly around Langkawi.
Shamsul Anuar said the ministry was evaluating predictive AI technology while agreeing in principle to gradually expand the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including drones, in line with the Home Ministry’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and its AI Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
“UAVs will serve as a force multiplier for existing ships and boats by enabling real-time aerial surveillance, particularly in vast high-risk areas with limited monitoring coverage.
“This technology will enhance early detection of suspicious boat movements,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (June 29).
He was responding to Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi), who asked about the readiness of security assets and personnel in Langkawi to tackle migrant smuggling and the smuggling of controlled goods, as well as the proposed use of drones.
Shamsul Anuar said the ministry was also studying a proposal to establish an integrated forward operating base in Teluk Ewa, Langkawi, to house several enforcement agencies under one roof.
The proposed facility would involve the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, the Marine Police Force and the General Operations Force, he said.
He said the initiative was expected to improve operational coordination between agencies, shorten response times and strengthen surveillance and enforcement capabilities against cross-border crimes.
For maritime monitoring, he said the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) was also using its Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA) to detect suspicious contacts and activities in the country’s waters.
Responding to a supplementary question on Asean discussions regarding the movement of Rohingya migrants through neighbouring countries before entering Malaysia, Shamsul Anuar said the government’s priority remained safeguarding the country’s borders through bilateral cooperation and regional enforcement.
He said the MMEA worked closely with neighbouring countries, including Thailand and Indonesia, as well as Australia, to monitor foreign fishing activities and curb the entry of undocumented migrants.
On enforcement statistics, Shamsul Anuar said the MMEA recorded 49 arrests for various offences in Kedah and Perlis between January and May this year, compared with 152 cases throughout 2025.
The Marine Police Force, meanwhile, recorded two cases under the Immigration Act involving 10 Thai nationals during the same January-May period, he added.
