KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry, with its 26 divisions and 11 agencies, must be vigilant in the face of growing and more complex security threats, said its secretary-general.
In an interview with the New Straits Times, Datuk Awang Alik Jeman said security threats were now "multifaceted, asymmetrical and dynamic".
He said in the past, domestic security threats took the form of traditional warfare by state actors.
These days, those behind security threats include multinational corporations, terrorist groups and individuals seeking profit or those promoting religious or political ideologies.
As such, the ministry cannot remain static in implementing strategies to maintain security and public order, he said.
Awang, who was appointed to his current post on Sept 5, also shared his ideas on issues plaguing the ministry.
BETTER FRONTLINE SERVICE
Awang said the ministry was looking at several strategies to improve service delivery by frontline officers at agencies under the ministry amid complaints that service was slow and unsatisfactory.
He said the ministry would enhance the interpersonal skills of officers at counters and ramp up the provision of mobile services.
This includes the Mobile Community Care Programme under the National Registration Department. The service allows those in rural areas to easily replace lost or damaged identity cards.
Efforts, he said, were also underway to reduce congestion at the main entry points of the country, such as at the Sultan Iskandar Building and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in Johor Baru and at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1.
"Initiatives implemented include the addition of autogates, increasing the number of personnel, expanding the number of countries that can use autogates from 10 to 63, and using technology such as QR codes for immigration checks."
CORRUPTION AMONG OFFICERS
Awang said in efforts to address the factors contributing to corruption activities, the welfare of security personnel and enforcement officers must be prioritised.
He said the ministry had implemented various incentives such as the provision of allowances and the establishment of conducive workplaces.
VIOLENCE AND TERRORISM
Awang said the Home Ministry had developed the Malaysian Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE) as the primary guideline to coordinate efforts to tackle violent extremism.
"Its development is led by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and it is based on four pillars: prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and strengthening," he said, adding that the plan would be launched today.
"The minister is confident that through MyPCVE, terrorism and extremism can be addressed comprehensively, systematically, and effectively through a whole-of-government approach."
REFUGEE ISSUES
Awang said the ministry was implementing a pilot project under the Baitul Mahabbah initiative to transfer child detainees from the Immigration Department's depot on humanitarian grounds for three years until September next year.
This involves child detainees under the age of 10 at the time of detention.
"We want to ensure a more conducive environment (for the children) for better mental, physical, and emotional development."
He said the ministry was also exploring other child detainee transfer initiatives, particularly alternatives to detention.
"Further studies and discussions on this are necessary to explore long-term solutions."