PUTRAJAYA: Only 54% of officers eligible for the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) service scheme have opted to join, despite it being described as the government's most competitive service transfer package to date.
AKPS director-general Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the take-up rate means the agency currently has only about 25% of the manpower it requires, leaving it unable to operate independently for now.
“Of those offered the scheme, only 54% agreed to join. With our current manpower, AKPS still requires the support of the six core agencies to ensure smooth operations at all entry points nationwide,” he told a press conference after the AKPS monthly assembly at Kompleks Setia Perkasa here on Wednesday (July 1).
He said the government had offered what was considered its most competitive service transfer package, which includes two salary increments, a RM200 Service Incentive Payment and eligibility to claim overtime.
According to Comm Mohd Shuhaily, the Public Service Department (JPA) had described the scheme as the best service transfer package ever offered to civil servants.
"I personally do not see why the offer was not accepted because it is far better than the existing scheme. But that is a personal choice, and I do not want to speculate on why some chose to reject it," he said.
Comm Mohd Shuhaily also declined to link the low acceptance rate to his leadership style or the stricter discipline and integrity measures introduced in AKPS.
Instead, he said accepting or rejecting the offer was ultimately a personal decision for each officer.
He added that AKPS is awaiting further instructions from the Chief Secretary to the Government on the next steps to strengthen its manpower.
He said officers from other agencies and ministries have also expressed interest in joining AKPS, but any decision would depend on government policy.
