Government allocates additional RM100 Million to enhance border security facilities

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has agreed to allocate an additional RM100 million to enhance security facilities at the borders of Kedah, Perlis, and Kelantan, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to Bernama, the Prime Minister stated that this initiative is part of the government’s efforts to address various issues and cross-border crimes, in line with Malaysia and Thailand’s commitment to developing the region to boost the economy in northern Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand.

He, who is also the Minister of Finance, mentioned that he will meet with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on August 3 to discuss national security issues and to stimulate economic growth in the two regions.

“On August 3, I will meet with the Thai Prime Minister in Sungai Golok and Rantau Panjang to discuss border security and to stimulate economic growth in northern Peninsular Malaysia.

“For the enhancement of security facilities, I agree to approve an additional RM100 million for the borders of Kedah, Kelantan, and Perlis,” he said.

He made these remarks while officiating the National Safety Month at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).

Also present were the Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and the Director-General of the National Security Council (MKN), Datuk Raja Nurshirwan Zainal Abidin.

Anwar also emphasized that the procurement of security assets should be conducted in a more organized manner to ensure integrity in governance and cost efficiency for the government.

“The procurement process should be responsible. From our experience, whether it is for the military, police, or other teams, sometimes procurement is meant to ensure safety, which we agree with.

“However, the procurement methods often lead to significant leakages, which must be stopped. When discussing safety assurances, but actions show personal interests and profit. This behavior undermines national interests,” he said.

Therefore, he stated that if all parties are committed to focusing on national security, it must start from the earliest stage, including procurement, with full responsibility.

“Otherwise, look at the state of our warships and aircraft compared to the substantial allocations given by the government each year.

“We need to return to the principle that procurement should follow proper methods, not for the benefit of domestic and foreign agents,” he said.

Anwar mentioned that he frequently raises this issue in meetings with public officials because ensuring national security is a shared responsibility, not just of the government, especially public officials, but also of the people.

“Cybersecurity and safety issues should be prioritized as they are crucial for ensuring the future safety of our nation,” he said.

Additionally, Anwar noted that the Unity Government’s approach to ensuring security has borne fruit as the country has risen nine positions in the Global Peace Index 2024 to be among the top 10 safest countries in the world.

“The National Safety Index (IKK) also shows an IKK score of 1.48 for 2023, which is a highly commendable achievement,” he said.