Frequent change of guard to prevent border duty power abuse

Frequent change of guard for border security duty has been the practice for the armed forces to prevent its personnel from eventually working in cahoots with smugglers, Defence Force chief Affendi Buang said.

He said this was important to also prevent them from taking up roles as smuggling syndicate leaders and to maintain alert and preparedness levels at their respective patrol areas.

“This way, they will not get too familiar with the community in the operation areas, as otherwise they could end up being too complacent and join forces with those running illegal activities,” he told Bernama today.

Personnel or squads involved in border patrol duty are constantly monitored, he added.

Affendi (below, right) said the armed forces will not comprise with any of its officers and personnel being involved in any forms of criminal activity, including smuggling.

Bernama had reported several members of the armed forces and police officers were among those arrested recently for abuse of power and being involved in the smuggling of migrants along the country’s borders.

Meanwhile, Bukit Aman’s Integrity and Standard Compliance Department director Zamri Yahya told Bernama that the management will ensure the deployment of its officers and personnel in the border areas do not exceed five years to prevent misuse of power.

- Bernama