Kuala lumpur: A total of 48 veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) have been selected as the first group of the Malaysia Border Guard (MBG) under the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS). Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced that these veterans were chosen from 1,400 applicants to join the MBG.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the recruitment is part of a target of 220 recruits, supported by an RM8 million allocation approved in the 2026 Budget. This first group has successfully undergone psychometric screening, physical tests, and interviews, meeting the set standards. Out of these 48 veterans, 31 will be stationed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 14 in Port Klang, and three at the AKPS headquarters as announced at a press conference after the MBG launch event.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized during the 2026 Budget presentation that priority would be given to MAF veterans to fulfill AKPS' manpower requirements to ensure full readiness of the agency. Saifuddin Nasution further mentioned that the remaining MBG recruitment will be completed within eight months to fill the 220-member quota for the year. MBG members will operate according to AKPS assignments on an initial one-year contract.
Currently, AKPS has approximately 6,800 members but requires up to 13,000 members to meet its operational needs, including managing 122 official national entry points. Saifuddin also mentioned ongoing deliberations at the ministry level regarding the potential use of weapons by MBG members due to deployment risks at border areas.
The investigation into the incident at Bukit Kayu Hitam is still in progress. In the event that occurred at 5.40 am on February 25, a Proton X70 driven by Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS Commander SAC Mohd Nasaruddin M Nasir was shot at twice near the Al Muhajirin Mosque exit, though no harm came to the victim.
AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain stated that the selection of MAF veterans as MBG members is grounded in their extensive defence experience, which enhances the country's border control capabilities. He highlighted that their discipline, skills, and experience in defence and security make them significant assets for strengthening national border control, especially at strategic locations such as international airports and ports. Integrity and quality were also prioritized in recruiting new AKPS members.