MCBA chief says Bukit Kayu Hitam shooting could be retaliation for record contraband seizures, pledges safety improvements including firearms for personnel.

BUKIT KAYU HITAM: The director-general of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) has not ruled out that a shooting targeting one of his commanders was retaliation for the agency’s enforcement actions.

Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the agency had been alert to such criminal threats, which he had warned his commanders about in recent weeks.

He was commenting on the shooting of Bukit Kayu Hitam MCBA commander SAC Mohd Nasaruddin Mohd Nasir near a mosque close to the Malaysia-Thailand border.

Mohd Shuhaily revealed that the Bukit Kayu Hitam MCBA had seized contraband worth almost RM3.1 million in a major operation between mid-January and mid-February.

“It’s a new record for Bukit Kayu Hitam … but carried the risks we saw this morning,” he added.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail fully support the agency.

The prime minister contacted him this morning to urge improvements within the MCBA.

Mohd Shuhaily identified the lack of issued firearms for MCBA personnel as a key area for immediate improvement.

He said providing firearms, along with bulletproof vests, would help ensure the safety of his officers.

The director-general assured the public the shooting was an isolated incident that did not involve them.

He confirmed that SAC Mohd Nasaruddin is now in a safe and stable condition with high spirits.

“He comes from a unit that is trained to control their emotions and reactions,” Mohd Shuhaily said.

 The Sun Malaysia