KUALA LUMPUR: The government is set to reassess the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959 (Act 298) emphasising the necessity for updated penalties.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the necessity of reviewing Act 298 was to meet current requirements
"Since its introduction in 1959, the government has not made any amendments to any of its sections. There are aspects that require enhancement, such as the punitive values within the act.
"If the current prescribed punishment values are deemed insufficient, we will raise them to establish a more fitting punitive measure for the act," said Saifuddin to reporters at the Appreciation Ceremony for the Important Target Rating Star Awards 2023, held here today.
Also present were the Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi, and Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order director Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali.
Act 298 prescribes steps necessary for the protection of any protected area or protected place declared to be so by the Minister.
No person shall be in the premises of protected places unless in possession of a pass-card or permit issued by an authorised officer.
Saifuddin highlighted that the government would reevaluate and expand the enforcement powers of this act, extending beyond the exclusive domain of the police.
"The government acknowledges the necessity of broadening the authority of this act to include other enforcement entities within government agencies.
"This jurisdiction should not be limited to the police alone; other agencies can also play a role in ensuring its effectiveness," he remarked.
The review of the act has been underway since last year and the ministry is actively pursuing new legislation concerning cybersecurity.
Commenting on the Single Border Agency (SBA), he said its implementation is aimed at ensuring an efficient delivery system at border checkpoints without unnecessary complexities.
"The establishment of SBA is also geared towards ensuring effective coordination at the border and aims to enhance the integrity of officers.
"We anticipate that the decisions approved by the Cabinet signify a unified direction and the correct course of action," he said.
Previously, the Home minister announced that at least 10 of the country's 141 entry points would be involved in the pilot project for SBA. (HYPERLINK: https://www.nst.com.my/amp/news/nation/2023/11/977373/10-countrys-141-en...)
The pilot project is expected to start in the first quarter of next year.
