KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency taking over key entry points this year will boost security, trade facilitation and administrative effectiveness.
Dr Mohd Ramlan Mohd Arshad, a border management expert from Universiti Teknologi Mara's Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, said the move will streamline monitoring and address challenges at the nation's borders.
He said with the agency, illegal immigration, smuggling, and other cross-border activities that pose threats to security will be tackled decisively.
"This is especially important at high-traffic entry points, including Port Klang, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2, Tanjung Pelepas Port, and Immigration, Customs, Quarantine (ICQ) complexes in Rantau Panjang, Johor Baru, and Bukit Kayu Hitam.
"These locations are crucial to Malaysia's economy, as they handle a significant portion of the country's commercial and tourism activities.
"Port Klang and Tanjung Pelepas, two busy Southeast Asian ports, serve as hubs for imports and exports, while KLIA anchors the nation's aviation and logistics sectors."
Ramlan said centralising border management under the agency will address enforcement gaps, improve inter-agency collaboration and standardise security measures at all entry points.
"High-risk areas like Rantau Panjang and Bukit Kayu Hitam require uniform security protocols to curb smuggling, human trafficking and other transnational crimes.
"The smuggling of subsidised goods, including essential items like cooking oil, rice, and RON95 petrol, is a persistent issue at the borders.
"The agency taking charge will help combat this."
He however added there will be challenges, including resistance from organisations and stakeholders, which can be addressed through engagement and capacity-building initiatives.
"To support its mission, the agency should invest in integrated digital technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence, and biometric systems, to enable real-time data sharing, risk assessment, and automated processing. "
Earlier today, MCBA director-general Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali said the agency will take over operations at 21 entry points starting Feb 1.
It was reported that the MCBA will assume control of five checkpoints from February, including KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, Tanjung Pelepas Port, and the ICQ complexes in Rantau Panjang, Johor Baru, and Bukit Kayu Hitam.
The additional 16 entry points comprise airports in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang, KLIA Cargo, Sandakan, Tawau, and Sibu.
Ports and wharves that will fall under MCBA's purview will include those in Klang, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Kuantan, Kemaman, Tawau, Bintulu, Senari and Pasir Gudang.
The agency will also oversee operations at the Sultan Abu Bakar ICQ in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
Hazani said the agency will coordinate the functions of various agencies at entry points, including police, Customs Department, Immigration Department, Health Ministry, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Road Transport Department.
He said more than 6,000 personnel from these agencies will be deployed to the 21 entry points.