ALOR STAR: The Kedah Malay Chambers of Commerce (DPMM) has welcomed the government's decision to allocate an additional RM100 million to enhance border security in Perlis, Kedah, and Kelantan.
DPMM Kedah charter president Datuk Mohd Zayad Md Ismail said that the funds were not only intended to improve border security but also to facilitate trade between Malaysia and Thailand.
He said that this initiative would address various issues and crimes, aiding in the development of border areas and boosting the economy in northern Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand.
"Border security is crucial for national security, affecting the peace, prosperity, and economy of our country and its people. Breaches in border security can severely impact these aspects," he said.
Zayad pointed out that inadequate border management could lead to national security risks, revenue loss, and a tarnished national image, affecting tourism.
"Smuggling of firearms, controlled goods, drugs, and counterfeit items had led to significant revenue losses," he said.
He stressed the need to upgrade border security facilities and controls, such as at Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) complexes.
Zayad also called for enhancing border enforcement with advanced technology, akin to that used by developed nations, to cope with the increasingly complex and dynamic border control tasks.
He proposed repairing existing fences, constructing new ones in vulnerable areas, and increasing CCTV cameras at strategic border locations.
He also suggested utilising artificial intelligence (AI) for better object identification and reducing false alarms.
Additionally, he recommended adopting drones for land border control to enable operations without manual supervision, enhancing real-time information dissemination and 24-hour monitoring.
Zayad urged stronger discussions between Malaysia and Thailand to implement 24-hour operations at border checkpoints, promoting trade and logistics growth in border states.
"The 24-hour opening of the border gates will stimulate trade activities and contribute to the growth of the logistics industry in the border states of Thailand.
"This step will provide unlimited time for trade activities between Malaysia and Thailand," he added.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the additional RM100 million allocation to strengthen northern border security, aiming to enhance facilities at entry points in Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis.
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