Home minister says government will back AKPS with equipment and weapons to ensure personnel safety and effective border control.

PORT KLANG: The government is prepared to support the operational needs of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), including the provision of weapons and safety equipment.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic) said this support is to ensure the agency can carry out its duties more effectively at the country’s 122 entry points.

He stated that as a new agency, AKPS has the flexibility to structure its operations in line with current security requirements.

“If it is to enhance the safety of all AKPS personnel, and if there is a need, for example, to use firearms and the like, I leave it entirely to the leadership of AKPS,” Saifuddin said.

He made these remarks after launching the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s ‘Op Khas Pagar Laut 2026’ at the National Hydrography Centre.

The minister emphasised that the ministry’s role is to provide support so the agency can fulfil its responsibilities while ensuring personnel safety.

This statement follows AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain’s earlier comments on assessing the need to equip officers with firearms and bulletproof vests.

The issue of officer safety was highlighted by a recent incident where a senior AKPS commander’s vehicle was shot at near the Malaysia-Thailand border.

The commander, Mohd Nasaruddin Mohd Nasir, escaped unhurt while on his way to morning prayers.

 The Sun Malaysia