Bukit Aman is stepping up efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s land and maritime border security by increasing the use of drones, artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligence-sharing initiatives with neighbouring countries to combat smuggling and other cross-border crimes.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said police are responsible for safeguarding border areas, while security at official entry points is managed by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) and other enforcement agencies.
He said effective border control requires close cooperation with neighbouring countries as smuggling activities often involve cross-border networks.
“We are responsible for safeguarding the border areas on land and at sea. Smuggling is a cross-border issue and requires close cooperation with our counterparts in neighbouring countries,” he told reporters on Thursday (Aug 6).
Mohd Yusri said a recent meeting in Bangkok involving the Malaysian Armed Forces, police and Thai authorities resulted in an agreement to further strengthen cooperation along shared borders.
The collaboration includes joint operations, coordinated patrols, intelligence exchanges and regular discussions among working groups to improve efforts against transnational crimes.
He said border enforcement is gradually moving beyond manpower-based operations, with technology playing a bigger role through drone deployment, enhanced intelligence systems and AI-assisted surveillance.
“Malaysia’s borders are extensive, particularly areas stretching from Perlis to Kelantan as well as Sabah and Sarawak. Technology will help improve patrol capabilities and allow enforcement agencies to curb illegal activities more effectively,” he said.
Mohd Yusri added that cooperation with communities living near border areas remains an important part of security efforts.
He said the General Operations Force (GOF) currently operates 178 posts nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak, where personnel regularly engage with local residents to build trust and encourage information sharing.
He added that strong community cooperation has helped authorities tackle various offences, including illegal immigration, smuggling of contraband and controlled goods such as petrol, diesel, rice, flour and cooking gas.
