PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) is still facing shortage of manpower despite the government offering a competitive service transfer package.
Its director-general Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said to date, only 54% of eligible officers had opted to join the agency.
“Due to this, we still need the support of all six core agencies to ensure smooth operations at entry points nationwide.
“The package includes two annual salary increments, a RM200 service incentive payment and eligibility to claim overtime.
“The Public Service Department had described it as the best service transfer package ever offered to civil servants.
“I personally do not see why the offer has not been accepted because it is far better than the existing scheme,” he told reporters after the AKPS monthly assembly here yesterday.
Comm Mohd Shuhaily said of those offered the new service scheme, only 3,419 officers accepted, leaving the agency with just about 25% of the manpower it requires to operate independently.
The service scheme covers officers from five core agencies absorbed into AKPS, namely Customs Department, Immigration Department, Road Transport Department, Wildlife and National Parks Department, and Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department.
Comm Mohd Shuhaily said although the Health Ministry is one of the core agencies, its officers were not offered the new scheme.
He said AKPS was awaiting further instructions from the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar on measures to strengthen its manpower.
“Officers from other ministries and agencies have expressed interest in joining AKPS.
“We are intensifying efforts to strengthen integrity by adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption and misconduct,” he added.
Since commencing operations less than a year ago, AKPS has dismissed five officers.
Another 15 are undergoing disciplinary proceedings while 50 others remain under investigation for integrity-related offences.
The agency is also tightening internal discipline, warning officers who abuse medical leave or submit fraudulent medical certificates (MC) to skip work will face disciplinary action.
Any private clinic found issuing fake MC will be reported to the police.
To strengthen its operational capabilities, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said AKPS has also proposed to procure Glock pistols for its officers, citing their durability and low maintenance costs.
