Home Ministry establishes border security agency to address transborder crime

The home ministry has established a Border Security Agency (AKS) to enhance border management and address trans-border crime.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said AKS followed the re-branding and upgrading of the Anti-Smuggling Unit (UPP) and involved various departments and agencies, via the National Blue Ocean Strategy.

"Such fast tracking is rare in government operation. I submitted a memorandum on AKS to the Cabinet as it does not incur additional costs, posts and financial implications on the agencies rebranded," he told reporters after chairing the AKS main committee meeting here Monday.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Home Deputy Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, Armed Forces Chief, Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin and Home Secretary-General Datuk Alwi Ibrahim.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also home minister, said RM5 billion in subsidised goods were smuggled out, thus depriving the government of revenue in the form of customs duties.