KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman is strengthening security along Malaysia's land and maritime borders by expanding the use of drones, artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries to curb smuggling and other cross-border crimes.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the police's role was to secure border areas, while security at official entry points falls under the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) and other enforcement agencies.
"We are responsible for safeguarding the border areas on land and at sea. Smuggling is a cross-border issue and requires close cooperation with our counterparts in neighbouring countries," he told reporters on Thursday (Aug 6).
Comm Mohd Yusri said he had recently attended a meeting in Bangkok involving the Armed Forces, the police and their Thai counterparts, who agreed to further strengthen cross-border cooperation.
He said the collaboration includes joint operations, coordinated patrols, intelligence exchange and regular working group meetings to improve efforts against trans-national crime.
"Border security is no longer solely dependent on manpower. We are moving towards technology-driven enforcement by deploying drones, improving intelligence-sharing and exploring the use of AI to enhance surveillance and monitoring capabilities," he said.
He said monitoring Malaysia's extensive borders, particularly from Perlis to Kelantan as well as Sabah and Sarawak, presents significant operational challenges.
"The borders are vast. Technology will help us enhance patrols and enforcement, enabling us to reduce illegal activities more effectively," he said.
He also said strong cooperation with communities living near the border remains a crucial element.
Comm Mohd Yusri said the General Operations Force (GOF) maintains 178 posts nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak, where officers regularly engage with local communities.
"Building trust with local communities is essential. When residents feel comfortable working with enforcement agencies, they are more willing to provide information that helps us detect illegal activities, including smuggling, illegal immigration and trafficking of controlled goods," he said.
He added this had contributed significantly to successful enforcement against illegal immigrants, smuggling of contraband and controlled items such as petrol, diesel, rice, flour and cooking gas.
