KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat today witnessed the first reading of the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency Bill 2024.
The bill, which was tabled by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Naustion Ismail, is expected to have its second reading in the current Dewan Rakyat session.
According to the blue book circulated in Parliament, the bill sought to provide for the establishment of the Malaysia Checkpoints and Border Agency (MCBA), its functions and powers relating to border control and protection, as well as to provide for related matters.
The bill also aimed to ensure that when an offence is committed under any written law of Sabah or Sarawak, the enforcement, investigation and prosecution of the offence shall be handled by the authorities of Sabah or Sarawak.
It was previously reported that the management and control of the nation's borders were now under the authority of MCBA.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the MCBA had commenced operations in May, despite the law governing the agency being tabled in July.
Among others, agencies and departments involved in MCBA include the police, the Customs Department, the Immigration Department, the Health Ministry, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Road Transport Department.
Meanwhile, Anwar during the Budget tabling in October last year said the establishment of MCBA as a single-border agency was part of the government's initiative to strengthen the country's defence and security preparedness.