KUALA LUMPUR: The police will fully operate the Malaysian Border Security Agency (Aksem) once the agency’s rationalisation programme is fully completed by September.

       Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, at a press conference at Bukit Aman yesterday, said the programme would be completed by Sept 30.

       “This rationalisation programme will bring about positive changes to the management of border security when Aksem assets are combined with the police to improve enforcement.

       “It will also allow more room to expand the responsibility of border security throughout the country, as currently Aksem is only able to focus their resources at land borders at the northern and eastern part of the peninsula.

       “Currently border security enforcement at other areas fall under the jurisdiction of the police via the General Operations Force (GOF), including areas in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

       It is learned that the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and Immigration Department officers under Aksem will return to their respective departments.

       The minister said that Aksem, which operates with around 900 members, would be filled by the police force via the GOF.

       The establishment of new GOF brigades in Sabah and Sarawak had also been mooted, he added.

       On March 12, the Cabinet approved the restructuring of Aksem. Once the restructuring is completed, the Aksem Act 2017 will be abolished.

       Aksem was established in 2017, with members from the police, Royal Malaysian Customs Department and Immigration Department.