02/02/2026

MONDAY | FEB 2, 2026

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Automated border systems set for full rollout by 2028 KOTA BHARU: Automated gates and biometric systems, which will be fully implemented by 2028, are expected to enhance standard operating procedures for immigration checks at all national entry points. This includes Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security complexes coordinated by the Border Control and Protection Agency. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the technology aims to improve screening efficiency and identity verification while enhancing immigration services in managing cross-border movement in a more orderly and systematic manner. He added that manual inspection counters will continue to be provided as backup in the event of unforeseen technical disruptions to ensure continuity of services is not affected. “The installation of 635 autogates at 125 entry points nationwide by 2028 would reduce reliance on manual inspections by immigration officers,” he told Bernama recently. He said routine checks would then be managed through the technological system, allowing Immigration Department manpower to be optimised for enforcement assignments and more complex investigative duties. On concerns over a rise in attempts by undocumented migrants to enter through illegal routes along the borders of Kelantan, Perlis and Kedah, Zakaria said the department’s priority is to ensure screening systems at official entry points are maintained at the highest security level and are not easily exploited by syndicates. He said the effectiveness of systems at official entry points indirectly supports the efforts of other security agencies in monitoring and curbing activities along unauthorised routes. According to him, the Immigration Department also ensures that its systems are highly resilient, including the capability to operate independently or in offline mode in the event of network disruptions. Zakaria also explained that physical control of national entry points is now under the coordination of the Border Control and Protection Agency, while his department focuses on systems, screening and immigration enforcement, with modernisation efforts continuing through the use of biometric technologies such as the Automated Biometric Identification System and facial recognition. He said the comprehensive digital approach would ensure immigration services remain efficient, transparent and highly prepared, supported by local server infrastructure as well as stable central servers. Commenting on allegations that officers suspected of involvement in migrant management syndicates were merely transferred without further action, Zakaria stressed that such claims are often misunderstood. He said the transfer of officers under investigation is an initial preventive measure to avoid interference with internal investigations, including access to relevant documents or systems. Monitoring of personnel is carried out continuously through the Compliance Unit, in addition to follow-up actions by the Detection and Verification Unit of the Integrity Division against officers reported to be living beyond their means. In addition, Zakaria said throughout 2025, a total of 24 immigration officers at several of the country’s main entry points were arrested for offences under the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission Act 2009.

Erwan Shah said Kelantan-Terengganu waters have been identified as key intrusion points based on MMEA enforcement patterns. – PIC COURTESY OF MMEA

Language lessons part of new smuggling tactic o Syndicates prepare illegal immigrants in advance to avoid suspicion and blend in locally: Kelantan MMEA director

MMEA enforcement patterns. He said most incursions occur near the border ends of the two states, allowing foreign boats to quickly retreat to controlled waters if detected. “Records show foreign fishing boats usually operate about 120 to 130 nautical miles, staying close to the Kelantan Terengganu border, demonstrating caution and readiness to escape,” he added. Erwan Shah said foreign fishing boats typically travel at about eight knots, while maritime assets can reach 15 to 18 knots, enabling interception if detected early. He said most operations and arrests are carried out at night, when foreign vessel activity is higher, leveraging available enforcement assets, adding that no daytime interceptions have been made so far. On action against detained foreign crew, MMEA said the individuals will be investigated and detained before being taken to court. If ordered to be deported, they will be handed to the Immigration Department for repatriation. “Therefore, you (mission participants) play a crucial role in helping to reform the policing institution, strengthen law enforcement based on human rights and protect the public, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children and marginalised communities. “This is the true value of a peacekeeping mission, it’s not just about containing conflict, but also about laying the groundwork for sustainable peace for future generations,” he said. He also reminded mission members to care for themselves, safeguard the honour of the police force and the country, and carry out their duties with discipline and integrity. –Bernama

PASIR PUTEH: A new trend in illegal immigration has emerged, with investigations by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) showing that foreigners brought in through Kelantan waters had learned Bahasa Melayu in their home country to facilitate movement in Malaysia. MMEA Kelantan director Kapt Erwan Shah Soahdi said the findings indicate the presence of a well-organised cross-border syndicate with increasingly sophisticated planning. “Preliminary investigations show that the entry of immigrants is not random but managed by syndicates that prepare them in advance before being brought into the country. “They have studied Malay in their home country (Myanmar), demonstrating careful preparation prior to entry. This strengthens the belief that a syndicate is managing their

movement,” he told Bernama. Erwan Shah said most immigrants do not travel far upon arrival but enter small rivers, forested areas and remote locations before being picked up by land vehicles, adding that smuggling activities continue to evolve with technology. “Smugglers’ modus operandi has become more sophisticated to evade authorities. We have detected smugglers using drones to monitor areas, mirroring the technology employed by enforcement agencies, including drones and night-vision equipment,” he said. Current smuggling tactics include the staged use of small boats, advance surveillance before landing and drone monitoring of enforcement movements. Kelantan-Terengganu waters have been identified as key intrusion points based on

Malaysian police join mission in South Sudan SEPANG: Sixteen police officers have left for South Sudan to join the United Nations mission there for a year-long peacekeeping deployment. “This deployment is more than just an operational assignment overseas, serving also as a mission of security diplomacy, humanitarian assistance and global security,” he said yesterday.

The delegation, comprising 10 senior officers and six lower-rank personnel, is led by DSP Chan Yew Hiok as contingent head, assisted by deputy contingent head DSP Ahmad Suhaili Abu Bakar. Bukit Aman deputy director of management (administration) Datuk Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof said the deployment of the 16 personnel on Saturday night reflected the international community’s trust in the police force as a disciplined, credible and integrity-driven security institution.

He added that the group would serve as individual police officers, tasked not only with maintaining public safety but also with advising, mentoring and assisting the South Sudan National Police Service in rebuilding a professional, integrity-driven policing institution respected by the public. Ahmad Dzaffir said in a post-conflict country, policing cannot rely solely on a strict approach but must instead be grounded in trust, legitimacy and justice.