Border Controls Tightened Following Regional Geopolitical Shifts - Saifuddin Nasution

BUKIT KAYU HITAM, Feb 28 (Bernama) -- Dynamic regional geopolitical changes, particularly involving neighbouring countries, require the government to strengthen the nation’s security control capabilities, especially at its borders, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said cross-border crimes such as drug smuggling, firearms trafficking and migrant smuggling are among the threats that could undermine national security if they succeed in breaching the country’s borders.

“We will activate security protocols and perimeter control. What are the key elements that must be in place in this measure?

“First, we want to review the laws and regulations currently in force to determine whether they are adequate. If they are not, we will examine the parts that need to be amended and tightened,” he told reporters here today.

Earlier, he had conducted an official visit to the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam.

Saifuddin Nasution said the government would also review relevant international conventions on border control to determine the suitability of existing laws, regulations, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies.

From an operational standpoint, he said all agencies involved in border security control must not operate in silos, but instead implement integrated information, intelligence and data sharing.

At the same time, he said the multi-layered access control system at the country’s entry points would be strengthened pending the phased implementation of the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe).

“To date, there are two main components, namely the reform of entry points with the installation of 635 autogates at all national entry points and an advance passenger screening system for travellers entering the country.

“However, while waiting for the phased implementation to be completed in 2029, threats are already present. Therefore, multi-layered access control must begin here with biometric systems and identity verification according to the respective passes, which will be reviewed under this approach,” he explained.

According to him, the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025 ranks Malaysia 13th in the world and the second most peaceful among ASEAN countries, and the government is committed to maintaining that achievement.

“This reassuring situation attracts investors to bring capital into the country, with microeconomic indicators showing very strong performance.

“However, we cannot take this lightly if controls at land, sea and air entry points are not tightened,” he said.

-- BERNAMA