Re-establish NTF to Curb Entry of Undocumented Migrants

KUALA LUMPUR: An integrated operation involving various security agencies should be established with functions similar to the National Task Force (NTF) in an effort to curb the entry of undocumented migrants into the country.

Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman said such an approach was important to enhance cooperation among the agencies involved, particularly in terms of intelligence sharing and the joint use of assets.

He said the matter had so far been discussed by the National Operations Planning Committee (JPGK), which he co-chairs with Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail, involving relevant agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

“So far, the proposal has also been submitted to the National Security Council (NSC), and it is now up to the NSC to bring the proposal to the government for consideration and implementation,” he said during a special interview held in conjunction with the 93rd Armed Forces Day at Wisma Pertahanan here yesterday.

Malek Razak said an approach similar to the NTF, which had previously been implemented, had proven effective and should be considered for reactivation, even if not on a large scale.

The NTF, which comprised 18 government agencies including the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and other agencies, was officially disbanded on Dec 31, 2022.

He said the MAF would not compromise on border security and would continue to detain individuals found entering the country through areas under the armed forces’ responsibility.

“For areas under the responsibility of the Armed Forces, God willing, we maintain surveillance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“If breaches still occur, they are due to certain gaps. They also have their own strategies and agents,” he said.

Utusan Malaysia