AKPS faces manpower challenges at Sarawak’s rural border entry points

KUCHING: The need for adequate manpower deployment, particularly at entry points in Sarawak’s rural and interior areas, remains a key challenge for the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) in strengthening border control in the State.

According to an AKPS Facebook post, the agency’s director-general, Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain highlighted the matter during a courtesy visit to Sarawak Federal Secretary, Datuk Ahmad Nadzri Mohd Hassan, at the Sarawak Federal Secretary Office here today.

The courtesy visit was held to share the latest status of AKPS operations in Sarawak, as well as discuss the agency’s role and challenges in carrying out border control at 36 entry points in the State.

Among the matters discussed was the need for manpower deployment, particularly at entry points in rural and interior areas facing challenges in terms of distance, road accessibility, basic amenities and logistics.

AKPS also said strategic cooperation with the Sarawak Government and relevant agencies was important to strengthen infrastructure, utility facilities and staffing requirements at the entry points.

The agency also said it would continue to intensify engagement programmes with local communities to enhance understanding of its roles and functions.

This is aimed at ensuring the smooth facilitation of travellers and goods while maintaining security and safeguarding the sovereignty of the country’s borders.