PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry will invite local and international companies to conduct proof-of-concept (POC) initiatives for technology to enhance security along the country's borders, particularly in monitoring rat routes.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry aims to strengthen border surveillance, especially along the Malaysia-Thailand border, by leveraging the latest technological advancements.
"Our focus on monitoring rat routes or even official entry points has shifted towards utilising modern technology. We will invite companies to carry out a POC to showcase their technological solutions, expertise, and the type of data they can provide.
"This invitation will not be limited to just one entity but will include multiple stakeholders, encompassing both foreign and local expertise. This represents our forward-thinking approach.
"We will continue until we are fully satisfied with the ability to ensure border security, including addressing potential threats at illegal crossings," he told reporters after the Home Ministry's monthly assembly here today.
Saifuddin said the government has chosen to adopt technologies, as walls or security fences are more expensive to build and maintain.
This, he said, was evidenced at the Padang Besar border in Kedah with Thailand.
Yesterday, in a written parliamentary reply, Saifuddin had said a total of 281 rat routes, used for cross-border criminal activities, had been identified within the area under the responsibility of the General Operations Force (GOF).
Of this total, 154 are along the Malaysia-Thailand border, with Kelantan recording the highest number, involving 128 illegal crossings.