RANTAU PANJANG: A total of 169 illegal crossings along the Malaysia-Thailand border have been identified as requiring immediate attention, according to Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. In response, the government aims to reduce and eventually shut down these unauthorized entry points to curb cross-border crimes and smuggling activities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsul Azri emphasized the need for bolstering border control measures, urging the expedited installation of closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) at the country's entry points and the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, as recommended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. These remarks were made during the launch of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) pilot operation at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Rantau Panjang.

Shamsul Azri highlighted the critical role of AI technology in enhancing border control strategies. He noted that the integration of AI would aid officers in monitoring, assessing, planning, and responding to threats or challenges at entry points and borders. The use of AI to coordinate and analyze data from CCTVs and scanning machines would improve the capability of officers in developing risk analyses.

He further explained that this proactive approach could help border agencies intercept potential threats before they arise, thereby strengthening overall security. AI-driven data, including facial recognition and intelligent document processing, is expected to streamline inspection processes for individuals and goods, expediting clearance for low-risk items and boosting the competitiveness of Malaysia's ports and cargo terminals.

Earlier, Shamsul Azri conducted an inspection of border agency operations at the Rantau Panjang ICQS Complex and reviewed the conditions at the Sungai Golok, a key area along the Malaysia-Thailand border.