KDN Considering Use of AI, UAV to Monitor National Waters
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) is currently examining the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based predictive analytics technology to address emerging issues in the northern waters of Peninsular Malaysia.
Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said KDN has also agreed to progressively expand the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including drone assets, for the same purpose.
He, who is also the Member of Parliament for Lenggong, said the implementation of these efforts is in line with the KDN Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and the KDN Artificial Intelligence Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
“The use of UAVs will act as a force multiplier to existing ship and boat assets through the implementation of real-time aerial monitoring, especially in vast high-risk areas with limited surveillance coverage.
“This technology will help enhance early detection capabilities against the movement of suspicious boats,” he said during the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) regarding the readiness of assets and personnel of security agencies in Langkawi to address the threat of migrant smuggling or controlled goods, as well as the proposal to utilise drone assets.
Shamsul Anuar said KDN is also examining the proposal to establish an Integrated Forward Operating Base in Teluk Ewa, Langkawi, which would house several enforcement agencies together.
These agencies, he said, involve the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Marine Police Force (PPM) and the General Operations Force (PGA).
“This initiative is expected to improve the efficiency of operational coordination between agencies, besides speeding up response time and strengthening surveillance and enforcement capabilities in combating cross-border crimes.
“For monitoring purposes in the country’s waters, the MMEA also uses the Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA) to detect suspicious contacts and activities in the area,” he said.
When responding to a supplementary question regarding ASEAN-level discussions on the influx of undocumented immigrants, especially the Rohingya ethnic group, crossing neighbouring countries before entering Malaysia, he stressed that the government’s priority is to safeguard the country’s security and waters through bilateral cooperation and regional enforcement.
“The MMEA continuously cooperates with neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Indonesia, including Australia, to monitor the activities of foreign fishermen and curb the entry of migrants,” he said.
On enforcement statistics, Shamsul Anuar said a total of 49 arrest cases for various offences were recorded by the MMEA in Kedah and Perlis as of May, while 152 cases were recorded in 2025.
“For the Marine Police Force, two cases were recorded under the Immigration Act involving 10 Thai nationals as of May,” he said.
Berita Harian