IGP and Army chief to discuss border security

Zahid Hamidi says the military should take control due to security threats and corruption at the border

KUALA LUMPUR: The Inspector-General of Police and Army Chief will discuss the role that should be played by the military to strengthen security at national borders, said Defence Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said both top guns would discuss the matter soon since the national borders were under threat especially with human trafficking syndicates at the Malaysia-Thailand border.

“I have been in touch with my counterpart in Thailand too with regards to ensuring that our borders are even stronger and safer

.”The outcome will be announced in due time,” he told reporters after his ministry’s post-cabinet meeting at Wisma Pertahanan, here today.

Meanwhile, commenting on the suggestion by Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as reported by a local English newspaper today that the military should take control due to security threats and corruption at the borders, Hishammuddin said he personally agreed with the move but there should be more discussions to finalise it.

“I’m not sure about the report .. I’m not aware of it. But all those witnesses must come forward.I have no objection (to the move) which I have told him (Zahid) at the Cabinet meeting today,” he added.

It was reported that Zahid wanted the military to take over border security as his ministry was pushing for a drastic move in hopes of crippling institutionalised corruption at Malaysia’s borders.

The report by the newspaper quoting Special Branch sources also revealed that a staggering 83 per cent of the nation’s security personnel and law enforcement officers at Malaysian borders were corrupt.

To a question whether the move would affect all enforcers at the borders, Hishammuddin said it would not be a total replacement as some parts of the border were already being patrolled by military personnel.

- BERNAMA