Kuala lumpur: Newly appointed Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general, Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, has pledged to strengthen the agency and ensure its relevance in line with the government's direction to enhance national border control.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Shuhaily, who officially began his duties today, stated that he had met with the Home Ministry secretary-general, Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, who outlined his mandate, particularly on the administrative affairs of AKPS. He expressed his commitment to make the agency both visible and operational in a tangible way soon, aiming for AKPS to have a meaningful impact on the community, as envisioned by the government. His remarks were made during a welcoming ceremony held at the AKPS headquarters.

Earlier in the day, Mohd Shuhaily was greeted by AKPS deputy director-general (Management) Ismail Mokhtar and deputy director-general (Operations) Mohd Jasmi Mohd Juwahir. His appointment was announced by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu, confirming a two-year term from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.

Mohd Shuhaily, 53, brings a wealth of experience and education to the position. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations from the International Islamic University Malaysia and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. His prior roles include serving as Police Attach© in Washington, United States, from 2010 to 2013, and as Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) at Bukit Aman, a position he assumed on August 15, 2023.

AKPS, established on October 17, 2024, with its first director-general being Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali, serves as the country's sole border agency. It consolidates expertise and resources from various government departments to coordinate operations at all national entry points.