Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) will expand its operational responsibilities at 125 international entry points that are still active nationwide beginning January next year. Its director-general, Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, announced this initiative, aiming to ensure a more uniform, integrated, and efficient border control and facilitation system.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Shuhaily stated that AKPS is moving into the second phase of implementation, which involves the takeover of the remaining active international entry points across the country. This phase will be executed in stages and is expected to be completed by January 2026. Speaking at the AKPS's first anniversary celebration, Mohd Shuhaily highlighted the agency's efforts since it began operating under the Home Ministry at the start of the year, focusing on strengthening operational integrity, efficiency, and strategic planning, including human resource capacity enhancement.
Since commencing full operations on January 1, AKPS has assumed the functions and positions of six core agencies at border gates and national checkpoints, including the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), MAQIS (Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services), Ministry of Health, Perhilitan (Wildlife and National Parks Department), and the Road Transport Department (JPJ). In its first year, the agency's key achievements included drafting and gazetting the AKPS Act 2024 [Act 860] and starting official operations at 22 land, sea, and air entry points under the First Phase of the act's implementation.
The agency has also standardised standard operating procedures (SOPs) and developed officer competencies to bolster professionalism and integrity. Earlier this October, 1,053 JKDM officers were integrated into AKPS, increasing its total personnel strength to 6,215 officers and staff. This transition presents new challenges, as the responsibility of inspecting goods at 22 entry points now falls on AKPS, marking a significant shift for both the agency and the Home Ministry.
Mohd Shuhaily further revealed that the agency is preparing the AKPS Strategic Plan, which will guide efforts to strengthen organisational structure, expand operations, and improve service efficiency. This strategic plan will focus on five main agendas as directed by the Prime Minister: facilitating trade and tourism, boosting national revenue, preventing government revenue leakage, and enhancing the integrity and professionalism of officers.
In addition to these objectives, AKPS prioritises the development of smart border technology, which includes integrated biometric systems, automatic cargo scanning, and real-time data integration based on artificial intelligence (AI).