KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry will look into the use of cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence, to enhance border control management.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, said the adoption of the technology was based on the vision of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to achieve a sustainable and high-income nation, where a secure and safe environment plays a crucial role.
"To achieve this vision and aspiration, a secure and safe environment plays a crucial role where threats such as cyberattacks, radicalism and extremism need to be handled effectively to safeguard the harmony and sustainability of the nation.
"In line with this, Malaysia is taking steps to strengthen security control involving border security by establishing the Malaysia Border and Entry Agency (MCBA), which acts as the sole agency in overseeing border security matters and emphasises the use of cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence, that will be adopted to enhance border control management," he said in a joint press conference with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin following a walkabout to witness the final preparations for DSA and Natsec Asia 2024.
As such, Saifuddin said, DSA and Natsec Asia 2024 would be the best platform for Malaysia and participating nations to exchange ideas, knowledge and opinions to ensure that best practices could be generated and achieved in general.
Last Thursday, Anwar directed MCBA to carry out its tasks with immediate effect.
He said although the bill related to the establishment of the agency would only be tabled in Parliament in July, all relevant departments such as the Immigration Department and Customs Department could deploy their officers and start duties immediately.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin last Friday said MCBA had begun carrying out its duties once the cabinet paper was presented in April.
Saifuddin was reported as saying that the ministry was awaiting the review of the bill by the Attorney-General's Chambers before presentation in the July Parliament session.
He said MCBA would function through four main scopes in terms of border control to facilitate movement across the border, whether involving citizens or foreign tourists.
He added that when the bill was passed, MCBA would become an important enforcement agency in the country.