THE use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered predictive analytics is being considered to strengthen enforcement in the northern waters of the peninsula, says Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
The Deputy Home Minister said the ministry is also looking at expanding the deployment of drones to boost border security.
“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,” he added.
Shamsul Anuar said the ministry was evaluating predictive AI technology while agreeing in principle to the gradual expansion of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), in line with the Home Ministry’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and its AI Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
“This technology will enhance early detection of suspicious boat movements,” he told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
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 trafficking, the smuggling of controlled goods and 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 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 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) is also using its Sea Surveillance System to detect suspicious activities in Malaysian waters.
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 national borders through bilateral cooperation and regional enforcement.
He said the MMEA works closely with neighbouring countries, including Thailand and Indonesia, as well as Australia, to monitor foreign fishing activities and curb the entry of undocumented migrants.
