2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
New MCBA chief vows greater visibility and impact
PUTRAJAYA: Newly-appointed Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) director-general Datuk Seri Shuhaily Mohd Zain has vowed that the agency will become more visible and impactful to the public, in line with the government's expectations.
Shuhaily said he had met with Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman before clocking in, where he was entrusted with several urgent administrative matters that needed to be resolved promptly.
"My contract is only for two years.
"If broken down by quarters, I only have eight to deliver on what has been entrusted to me.
"God willing, our task is to ensure that the MCBA is physically seen in the near future and that its impact is felt by the public, as envisioned by the government, within a year, if possible," he told reporters at a press conference before attending his first meeting as head of the agency.
Shuhaily arrived at his office at the Home Ministry in Putrajaya at 9.15am and was welcomed by MCBA deputy director-general (operations) Mohd Jasmi Mohd Juwahir and deputy director-general (management) Ismail Mokhtar.
Shuhaily, who previously helmed the federal police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID), was appointed to the MCBA's top post beginning today until June 30, 2027.
The agency was previously led by senior police officer Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali.
Hazani, who served for 38 years in the police force and other security-related agencies, retired on Feb 10.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, in a statement, expressed confidence that Shuhaily, who has 26 years of experience in the police service, would be able to lead the MCBA with distinction.
He said this confidence was based on Shuhaily's competence and extensive experience in various police units, both at national and international levels.
He said that the leadership is also expected to further strengthen the country's border security and uphold a culture of integrity in line with Madani values.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the appointment of Shuhaily meant that another police officer had been entrusted with leading a key agency to safeguard national security.
