Malaysia streamlines border control and protection forces

Malaysia has officially launched the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKBS), which will serve as the sole agency responsible for border control.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof at the launch of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on February 2, 2025. (Photo: Bernama)
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof at the launch of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on February 2, 2025. (Photo: Bernama)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia has officially launched the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKBS), which will serve as the sole agency responsible for border control.

The AKPS consolidates the expertise and resources of various government agencies to streamline operations at the country’s international entry points.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on February 2, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof emphasised that Malaysia is committed to maintaining its competitive edge by ensuring efficient, integrity-driven service delivery at its borders.

He added that the AKBS is crucial for reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to regional cooperation and integration, promoting smoother cross-border movement within the ASEAN region.

Yusof also highlighted the agency’s vital role in ensuring the country’s borders remain both friendly and efficient, particularly with the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

He further stressed that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into national border control strategies is key to achieving these goals. AI applications at border entry points will assist officers in monitoring, assessing, and responding to security threats more effectively, the Deputy PM explained.

AI-powered technologies, such as facial recognition, will also speed up the inspection process for both individuals and goods, allowing for the expedited clearance of low-risk items, which will enhance the competitiveness of Malaysia’s ports and cargo terminals.

He noted that the government is committed to investing in research and development to explore new methods and technologies to further strengthen the country’s border management capabilities.

The AKPS was officially established following the passage of the Border Control and Protection Agency Act in October 2024./.

VNA

See more

At the video conference (Photo: Nation Thailand)

Thailand backs Japan’s push for energy security

At the summit, Japan announced a new initiative to support AZEC member countries through low-interest loans for the procurement of crude oil, refined fuel and essential goods, alongside broader fiscal support measures.

Indonesia steps up local currency use to reduce reliance on USD

Indonesia steps up local currency use to reduce reliance on USD

According to the Indonesian government data, total LCT transaction value reached 8.45 billion USD in January and February, a sharp increase from 3.21 billion USD in the same period last year. User participation has also risen significantly, surpassing 14,600 by February, with monthly averages exceeding 16,000, well above 2025 levels.

SMEs are the backbone of the Malaysian economy. (Photo: thestar.com.my)

Malaysia rolls out low-interest financing package for SMEs

The latest funding forms part of the government’s broader PowerUp10K campaign, a year-long initiative aimed at strengthening SMEs at different stages of growth. Under the programme, the ministry is targeting total disbursements of up to 15 billion MYR in low-cost financing, higher than the previously allocated 10 billion MYR.

Illustrative photo (Photo: thejakartapost.com)

Indonesia strengthens palm oil industry through sustainability certification

Indonesia’s palm oil industry is a major pillar of the national economy, with more than 16 million hectares under cultivation and crude palm oil (CPO) output reaching 51.66 million tonnes in 2025. This scale has helped the country maintain its position as one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of palm oil.

Mount Semeru in East Java erupts on April 14, 2026. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia maintains high alert as Mount Semeru continues erupting

According to the Semeru Volcano Observation Agency, the first eruption occurred at 5:22 am, registering a maximum seismic amplitude of 20 mm and lasting 3 minutes and 23 seconds. The eruption produced an ash column rising about 1,500 m above the crater, reaching approximately 5,176 m above sea level.

Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (centre) and his spouse are welcomed at Beijing Capital International Airport on April 14. (Photo: VNA)

Chinese newspaper expects new chapter in building Vietnam-China community with shared future

From the traditional friendship of "both comrades and brothers" to the contemporary positioning of "the community with a shared future that carries strategic significance," Vietnam-China relations are standing at a new historical starting point, with expectations of opening a new chapter that delivers tangible benefits to both peoples and contributes positively to regional and global development.

 Malaysia strengthens national energy supply mix

Malaysia strengthens national energy supply mix

The Malaysian government will intensify efforts to strengthen the national energy mix to ensure electricity supply security amid extreme weather changes, which are beginning to affect existing resources, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Illustrative image (Photo: Thai PBS)

Thai capital introduces recycling initiative

Thailand's Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is introducing a sustainable twist to this year’s Songkran festivities by inviting revellers to donate their used or unwanted plastic squirt guns for recycling.

Thailand warns public of online scams during Songkran festival

Thailand warns public of online scams during Songkran festival

It identified four major scam tactics now spreading widely, which involve fake accommodation and travel ticket bookings, hacked social media accounts being used to ask for money, fake links offering cash giveaways or discounts, and fake pages selling festival-related products.

A Petronas filling station in Kuala Lumpur (Photo: VNA)

Malaysia tightens controls on border-town fuel stations

Deputy KPDN Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said the government is currently reviewing existing policies to further restrict fuel purchases in high-risk zones, acknowledging that current limits have not completely stopped the leakages.

Thailand's Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas (Photo: Royal Thai Government)

Thailand implements emergency relief package to protect economy

The Thai Government has allocated more than 7.74 billion THB (about 241 million USD) from the central budget to support citizens in coping with rising energy prices, subsidise transport costs, and implement measures to reduce the cost of living nationwide.