Kangar: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) will strengthen security control and the preparedness of its personnel, including reviewing the establishment of a special team, following a shooting incident involving one of the agency's commanders this morning.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, AKPS deputy director-general (Management) Ismail Mokhtar said the move was in line with the process of taking over operations and assets from six core agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and the Immigration Department of Malaysia, as well as a reassessment of risks at the country's entry points.
Ismail Mokhtar confirmed plans to establish a special team to enhance security aspects during this transition period. He added that enforcement teams, risk units, and operational control at entry points would be streamlined. This announcement was made during a press conference after the Ihya Ramadan Programme and an iftar event with AKPS personnel.
AKPS currently manages 22 entry points, classified according to risk level, with several locations designated as 'hotspots' that require stricter enforcement approaches. Commenting on the shooting incident in Bukit Kayu Hitam earlier today, Ismail described it as a serious threat but emphasized that it would not affect personnel morale and commitment.
He assured that controls would be tightened and requests for security assets, including weaponry, would be expedited to ensure the protection of officers. Ismail stated that there is no compromise on threats against personnel, and operations will continue with enhanced security measures.
AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain visited the location to assess the situation and provide support to the officer involved. The incident occurred when a Proton X70 driven by SAC Mohd Nasaruddin Mohd Nasir was shot at around 5.40 am at a slip road near Masjid Muhajirin, about one kilometre from the Malaysia-Thailand border. Mohd Nasaruddin, who was on his way to perform Subuh prayers, escaped unharmed.