Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has reported total seizures valued at nearly RM82.1 million from operations at the nation's entry points so far this year, according to AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the seizures included drug-related items weighing 205,154 grammes, with a value approaching RM20.2 million. Health-category seizures involving medical products and chemicals were valued at RM1.4 million, while the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) accounted for nearly RM60 million in seizures.
Mohd Shuhaily noted that since October 1, AKPS has taken over customs inspections, with seizure values amounting to RM222,519. Additionally, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) recorded seizures of subsidised goods like diesel fuel and motor vehicles, valued at RM183,590.
Speaking at a press conference on AKPS' 2026 roadmap, Mohd Shuhaily highlighted the complexity of controlling the nation's official entry points. AKPS, being a new agency, has inherited various legacy issues from core departments, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), JPJ, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Ministry of Health (MOH), and MAQIS.
Currently, AKPS is supported by over 6,000 officers deployed at 22 entry points. The agency plans to take over more than 120 remaining entry points nationwide next year. The main challenge is ensuring adequate manpower for secure entry points and achieving more efficient deployment.
Findings by the Single Border Agency (SBA) Nucleus Team suggest that AKPS needs 13,721 officers for optimal strength. However, the current workforce is about half of that, making human resources the most pressing challenge.
Mohd Shuhaily also mentioned that technology, such as autogates and upgrades to the Malaysian Immigration System (myIMMs), is expected to facilitate traveler movement, reduce manpower reliance, and close loopholes for activities like counter-setting and 'flying' passports. He urged public patience, as the migration and upgrade process might face initial technical disruptions.
AKPS aims to expand its operational scope to cargo entry points and ports as early as next year, following the stabilization of traveler-related operations. Mohd Shuhaily expressed hope that after stabilizing operations, AKPS can refine and strengthen controls at these new points.
Regarding border control, Mohd Shuhaily stated that AKPS is expected to assume full responsibility over the country's border entry points once the AKPS Act is gazetted and the second phase of officer deployment is implemented, in collaboration with the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC).
He emphasized that AKPS' achievements demonstrate that inherited legacy issues are not entirely negative, as they include valuable human resource strengths and past successes that should be continued. Mohd Shuhaily highlighted that while some issues are unfavorable, the positive aspects must be recognized and maintained.