Putrajaya: It has been a year since Parliament passed the Border Control and Protection Agency Act, paving the way for the establishment of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) under the Home Ministry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain stated that the past year had not merely been an administrative journey, but also a process of fostering a new spirit and discipline among the agency’s personnel, who are now stationed at 22 of the country’s main entry points. He mentioned that AKPS is currently in a crucial phase of strengthening border management through improvements in its organisational structure, operational capabilities, and the professionalism of officers on the ground.
The AKPS Act was passed and approved on Oct 17 last year, and the agency began full operations on Jan 1, 2025, through a pilot project in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan. Mohd Shuhaily explained that the agency currently has 6,215 officers, including 1,053 customs officers of various grades who were newly absorbed to carry out inspection duties at the country’s entry points. However, all positions are still in the process of finalising a permanent service scheme, in collaboration with the Public Service Department (PSD).
He noted that these officers are still seconded from their respective parent agencies, including the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Department of Quarantine and Inspection Services Malaysia (MAQIS), and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan). Mohd Shuhaily acknowledged that while the unification process was challenging, it had proceeded smoothly.
In Budget 2026, the government allocated positions to recruit 220 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans into AKPS, a move that Mohd Shuhaily described as an effort to ‘inject a spirit of defence and security’ into the agency. He expressed surprise at the overwhelming response from many MAF veterans, including those who held the ranks of Colonel and Major, who personally submitted their resumes. The selection of MAF veterans was attributed not only to their military experience but also to their strong discipline and patriotic spirit, which required no further retraining.
Apart from strengthening operations at the front line, the recruitment move is expected to help reduce operating costs, as the selected veterans would be stationed near their areas of assignment, thereby saving on accommodation and transportation expenses. Furthermore, AKPS is focusing on strengthening its technological capabilities to enhance border management efficiency, including the use of autogate systems and AI-based cargo scanners.
Mohd Shuhaily emphasized the importance of cultivating the ‘spirit of AKPS’ to ensure that all personnel understand the agency’s true purpose and role in safeguarding the nation’s borders. Comprehensive training programmes are being developed to standardise the agency’s work culture and embody the ‘spirit of AKPS’. He acknowledged initial challenges, particularly in inter-agency coordination and human resource limitations, but expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by officers who continued to perform their duties with unwavering commitment.
Recalling his first 100 days at AKPS, Mohd Shuhaily likened the restructuring process to a ‘merger and acquisition’ that demanded patience, cultural adaptation, and a clear sense of direction. He had also sought the assistance of the Inspector-General of Police to assign experienced officers to strengthen discipline and security, particularly at high-risk entry points such as Rantau Panjang, Port Klang, and several locations in Sabah and Sarawak.
Mohd Shuhaily said cooperation with other security agencies, including the MAF and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), will continue to be enhanced. Ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, he acknowledged that AKPS is expected to face additional challenges at major airports such as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which is currently undergoing upgrades. However, he hoped the public would understand the importance of maintaining strict security procedures.
Expressing his aspirations for the agency’s future, Mohd Shuhaily said he wants AKPS to grow into a strong and respected institution, remembered as a dignified, respected agency with a big heart.