KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities have detected 25 illegal “rat lanes” in Perlis which may be used by human trafficking and smuggling syndicates, says Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
The Deputy Home Minister said enforcement agencies are working closely to monitor these illegal border pathways.
“We are constantly streamlining intelligence coordination and joint operations on the ground level.
“This involves enforcement agencies such as the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, police and Immigration Department.
“The main focus is to cripple the entire ecosystem comprising ringleaders, financiers, recruits and their financial networks,” he said when replying to a question by Padang Besar MP Rushdan Rusmi.
He added that the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department and Armed Forces were also involved in joint operations to improve surveillance in strategic areas and disrupt smuggling activities.
Rushdan asked about measures to curb human trafficking, drug smuggling and other contraband activities along illegal routes along the Perlis border with Thailand.
Shamsul said laws covering money laundering, terrorism financing, proceeds of unlawful activities, human trafficking and migrant smuggling could be used against such border smuggling networks.
Meanwhile, Shamsul said the National Border Control System integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) surveillance system is being developed by the Malaysian Civil Defence and Security Institute under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
The system, he said, would integrate information from enforcement agencies to detect suspicious movements in real time and strengthen action against cross-border crimes.
It will rely on data analytics and integrated surveillance, including smart cameras, drones and sensors, linked to a single command centre, he added.
“The system’s integration, through a single-command centre, will connect information across various enforcement agencies to identify patterns of suspicious activity and allow swift action to be taken,” he explained.
