PUTRAJAYA: Enforcement agencies are required to proactively respond to all government policy decisions, especially on matters of border security, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
Zahid, who chaired a high-level committee meeting on Malaysia's border security and control, said this is crucial in the country's fight against cross-border crime.
He said the meeting also focused on issues and challenges by various enforcement agencies and their strategic cooperation to keep borders safe and secure.
"Four briefing papers were tabled in today's meeting, touching on strengthening the country's border management and managing border controls.
"The other two are on the inclusion of the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) in helping out with enforcement of border controls in Sabah and Sarawak, and the operations of Malaysian Quarantine Inspection Services at border entry points," said Zahid, who is also Home Minister.
He added that the Malaysia Border Security Agency (Aksem) will pursue strategic cooperation with other enforcement agencies, especially those operating at land borders.
The cooperation will include intelligence-sharing and conducting integrated enforcement activities to optimise impact, strategy, as well as operational efficiency.
In line with the National Blue Ocean Strategy, Rela will also assist existing enforcement agencies in keeping Malaysia’s borders secure, Zahid added.