AKPS Seizures Hit RM322.74mil, Nearly Fourfold Jump

The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) seized goods worth RM322.74mil up to October this year, nearly four times the amount recorded the previous year, The Star reported, citing AKPS seizures figures announced on Monday (Oct 26).

AKPS deputy director-general (management) Ismail Mokhtar disclosed the figure at the agency’s second-anniversary celebration in Sepang.

AKPS seizures up nearly fourfold

Ismail said the seizures showed progress in curbing revenue leakages and protecting national interests. “These figures are more than just statistics,” he was quoted as saying.

He said the agency’s aim went beyond seizing goods, to closing smuggling routes, identifying those responsible and dismantling the systems that allow smuggling to recur.

E-waste containers sent back

Ismail said AKPS was also working to send back illegal e-waste shipments arriving at local ports. For the first time this year, a government task force led by the agency had containers of e-waste exported back to their countries of origin, he said.

The agency will ensure that all 1,259 containers identified are exported by the end of the year, according to the report.

On staffing, Ismail said 4,190 personnel have been absorbed into the agency under its service scheme, but numbers remain insufficient. AKPS operates at all national entry points with personnel transferred from six core agencies and still relies on outside support while it finalises its manpower needs.

He said the integration process must be followed by common competencies, standardised work procedures, stronger discipline and a single chain of command.

Lead role in border security

In a speech read by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman on behalf of Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, it was announced that AKPS has been appointed lead agency for the National and Border Security Pillar.

The Star reported that the mandate follows a Security Improvement and Mitigation Action Plan, which was triggered by the recent arrest of a Malaysian pilot in Indonesia for drug smuggling.

AKPS has begun coordinating joint operations under Ops Sundang with the police, the Customs Department, the Wildlife and National Parks Department and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, according to the report.

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