MCBA unifies nation's border security, says Fadillah

SEPANG: The newly launched Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) will strengthen border security by serving as a unified enforcement body overseeing land, air and sea entry points, said Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof today.

The deputy prime minister said MCBA's establishment signifies the government's commitment to a seamless and efficient border control framework, with the agency functioning as the sole authority at entry points.

He said MCBA consolidates the expertise and resources of government agencies to coordinate operations at entry points.

"Studies began in November 2018, leading to the formation of the Single Border Agency nucleus team in October 2021.

"This reflects the government's efforts to boost service delivery at entry points through a unified agency."

He said this at the launch of MCBA at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan.

Up to Jan 31, MCBA operates at 19 entry points.

Fadillah said MCBA's formation is guided by five key goals, including unifying border enforcement under a single chain of command.

"Previously, border management involved multiple agencies, such as Customs, immigration, quarantine and others, often leading to confusion, overlapping duties and communication barriers.

"By integrating key functions under one agency's responsibility, Malaysia can establish a more coordinated approach to border control."

He said that MCBA operations would facilitate smoother trade and travel, boost security measures and improve service delivery quality.

"MCBA will serve as the national border security agency across air, sea, and land, working alongside the National Security Council, the armed forces, the police and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

"I believe this collaboration will reinforce the security and sovereignty of Malaysia's borders."

Fadillah said that MCBA operations would keep pace with technology that poses new security threats.

"Artificial intelligence (AI) is crucial in border control strategies.

"Optimising AI-driven monitoring systems will boost officers' ability to assess risks at entry points.

"For instance, the integration and data analysis from closed-circuit television cameras and goods scanners equipped with AI technology will boost officers' ability to conduct risk assessments at entry points."

This approach, he added, would help agencies like MCBA intercept threats before they materialise.

He said the government is prepared to invest in research and development to explore new methods, technologies and systems that could further boost border management capabilities.