JOHOR BARU: Malaysian sovereignty and security should always be given priority by stepping up border controls, says Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

       Earlier, His Majesty accepted the audience from Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin here on Tuesday (Dec 21), which lasted for almost two hours.

       Sultan Ibrahim expressed his concern about the sovereignty and security of the country during the audience with Hamzah.

       "I discussed Pulau Pisang, Pulau Batu Puteh and also Tompok Utara, where security control, especially at the national border and the main entrances, need to be improved," Sultan Ibrahim said in his official Facebook page.

       Meanwhile, Hamzah said the control of the country's borders has always been the main thrust of his ministry to ensure national security and order is always preserved.

       He added Sultan Ibrahim emphasised this matter and gave the advice to tighten border control so that it was not easily intruded.

       “The Ruler also expressed sadness over the tragedy of a boat ferrying undocumented migrants which capsized and led to the loss of many lives in the waters of Tanjung Balau in Kota Tinggi recently,” he said.

       Hamzah also said Sultan Ibrahim suggested several ways to tighten the country’s law, especially matters related to the procedure of ships anchored in national waters.

       “There are also many ships anchored in the country's waters, especially in the Desaru area which His Majesty focuses great importance on the safety of local fishermen, especially when the sea is rough.

       “Similarly, His Majesty's proposal is to be equipped with a security structure including a radar system in the country's waters to detect the entry of intruders. I will pay attention to all these things,” he said.

       Last week, a boat ferrying 50 undocumented migrants from Indonesia capsized in Tanjung Balau waters, resulting in 21 deaths. There were 13 survivors, and 16 others are still missing.