‘In principle, I have discussed this with the secretary-general. MCBA will be equipped with weapons.’
SEPANG: The Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) will move towards equipping its personnel with weapons, with tasers possibly considered as an initial option, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.
He said the matter had been discussed in principle with Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman and would be managed by the ministry in due course.
“In principle, I have discussed this with the secretary-general. MCBA will be equipped with weapons.
“That is our direction moving forward,” he told reporters after inspecting KLIA Terminal 1 operations under the Home Ministry’s Citra Negara programme today.
The programme included briefings on CCTV monitoring, baggage-screening procedures, autogate operations and the implementation of the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe).
Saifuddin said tasers could be considered first, as not every situation at the country’s borders would require the use of firearms.
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“There is also a view that, to begin with, tasers should be considered first.
“This is because border situations vary. There may be cases involving individuals where firearms are not required.
“But the bottom line is this: will MCBA move towards the use of weapons? The answer is yes,” he said.
Asked whether commanders stationed in high-risk areas would be armed, Saifuddin said such decisions would depend on their background and operational requirements.
He said commanders with police backgrounds, for example, already have firearms training and could be equipped accordingly.
Saifuddin said MCBA was also allowed to recruit up to 200 personnel this year, with the first phase involving 50 personnel already completed.
He said the personnel would be deployed at several entry points, including KLIA and Port Klang, depending on operational needs and their respective skills.
“We will first observe how things progress because these personnel have different skills. Some have commando backgrounds, some are drill instructors, and they possess various other skills.
“If we find that recruiting this category of personnel provides added value to MCBA, the Home Ministry will continue to support it and help increase recruitment through this approach,” he said.
Saifuddin said 18 MCBA personnel had been placed at KLIA, while the second intake is still in progress and expected to be completed this year.
