Saifuddin: AKPS to deliver more efficient border management over time
Saifuddin said the agency, established to streamline and strengthen border enforcement, is still in its early stages, operating under a unified command structure.
"As this is a new initiative, agencies that previously operated separately are now working under one roof, under a single command," he said during a Madani Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house ceremony here today.
Saifuddin expressed confidence that AKPS would deliver improved outcomes over time, as its personnel adapt to their new roles and responsibilities.
He said the agency was founded to fulfil three main objectives: facilitating smoother border crossings, enhancing the efficiency of service delivery, and upholding integrity in border management.
"The first goal is for border control to function smoothly and efficiently - both for the movement of people and goods. It must ensure seamless mobility.
"The second is that, as a single agency, AKPS will be able to offer a more efficient service delivery system, unlike the previous arrangement where the public had to deal with multiple agencies.
"And the third, which is often emphasised, is to strengthen integrity," he said.
The agency began operations at the Rantau Panjang checkpoint on Jan 1 and has since expanded to 22 entry points nationwide.
"We have 123 entry points in total, and the first operation was launched in Rantau Panjang. Today, AKPS is active at 22 of those locations. Eventually, all remaining entry points will be brought under the agency's jurisdiction," Saifuddin said.
He added that AKPS would also gradually adopt its own identity and official uniform.
"For now, officers wear only the agency insignia on their sleeves, but in time, they will be fully outfitted," he said.
AKPS was officially established following the enactment of the Border Control and Protection Agency Act on Oct 17, 2024.
It functions as the sole border control agency, consolidating the expertise and resources of various government agencies, including Immigration and Customs, to streamline operations at the country's international entry points.
In addition, AKPS has also absorbed officers and personnel from the police, Immigration Department, Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), Health Department, Road Transport Department, and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis).
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