PUTRAJAYA: The Customs Department will deploy more officers proficient in analysing facial expressions and body language to curb smuggling attempts.
Customs director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin said this would be implemented through neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) courses this year.
"We have 30 personnel nationwide trained in NLP," she told a press conference.
"We hope to expand this programme so that more personnel will possess the skills to identify suspicious individuals especially those involved in smuggling activities," she said.
Anis also said the department has procured 40 state-of-the-art luggage scanners with artificial intelligence (AI) features.
"These scanners have been placed at various entry points nationwide and are capable of scanning items within 20 or 30 seconds with 100 per cent accuracy.
"These scanners have increased our operational efficiency," she said.
She added the use of these scanners has already foiled numerous attempts to smuggle illicit cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol.
Anis said smugglers, particularly drug distributors, have now changed their modus operandi, and are now utilising courier services.
"They are no longer using drug mules to smuggle the drugs in. Stricter enforcement at the entry points may have led to them evolving their modus operandi," she said.
She said the department also plans to increase the number of AI-enabled body-worn cameras at entry points.
Currently, the department has 60 body-worn cameras used by its enforcement officers.