54 Pct Of Officers Accept AKPS Service Scheme Offer - Mohd Shuhaily

PUTRAJAYA, July 1 (Bernama) -- Only 54 per cent, or 3,429 out of 6,341 officers offered positions in the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), have accepted the offer to transfer to the agency’s service scheme, said its director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.

He expressed his appreciation to officers from the five core agencies, including the Immigration Department and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, who agreed to fully join AKPS under the agency’s service scheme, which came into effect today.

He said the AKPS service scheme offers two salary increments as well as better career opportunities, given that the agency is still new and has many vacancies.

“Only 54 per cent agreed to join. As for the rest, I am not in a position to comment. However, if the government’s offer is used as the benchmark, I do not see any reason why it should not be accepted.

“This is because it is far better than what they are currently enjoying, including two salary grade increases,” he told reporters after the AKPS monthly assembly here today.

The AKPS service scheme came into effect today, marking another significant milestone in the organisation’s development while strengthening AKPS’ identity as the country’s sole border control and protection agency.

Mohd Shuhaily said that, according to the Public Service Department (PSD), the AKPS service scheme is the best transfer scheme ever offered by the government and is the first to include two salary grade increases.

“This clearly reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that the single border control agency is established and becomes fully operational,” he said.

Commenting on why some officers declined the offer, Mohd Shuhaily said he did not wish to speculate, but did not rule out the possibility that some officers preferred to remain with their original agencies or that other external factors were involved.

“If you look at the pay slips and salary grades, everything is far better than before.

“I do not know why they would reject something better than what they currently have. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide,” he said.

Mohd Shuhaily said he is now awaiting further instructions from the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, on the next steps to strengthen staffing within AKPS.

He said he has personally received applications and enquiries from officers from various departments, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), who are interested in joining AKPS. However, any decision on the matter will depend on the policy to be determined by the government.

“The government will decide on the policy regarding how best to strengthen AKPS’ manpower,” he said.

-- BERNAMA