KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will need to add at least one more General Operations Force (GOF) battalion in Sarawak to further strengthen border security in the state following Kalimantan's preparations to become Indonesia's new capital.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Zainal Abidin Kasim said the battalion was likely to be stationed in Kapit as it was close to Kalimantan.
He said the new battalion was needed in Kapit given its large area, adding that one company was not sufficient there for security control.
"We are aware of Kalimantan being earmarked as Indonesia's new capital and its development has been quite rapid (and) we (appear) not ready yet in terms of how to increase security there (on anti-smuggling and migrant entry).
"There are too many rat lanes and other illegal routes. They are difficult to control now, what more in the future if we do not add another new battalion there," he said in a special interview with Bernama in Bukit Aman recently.
He said there are concerns that smuggling activities and illegal migrant entry could increase if nothing is done to address the matter.
In a separate development, Zainal Abidin said there are plans to add more personnel for the department's intelligence and special branch unit based on its success and total seizures amounting to millions of ringgit since being formed four years ago.
He said the unit now has 30 officers and personnel, and this number is expected to increase up to 100 within this year.
He said the unit, now based in Bukit Aman, plays an important role and additional personnel would be deployed to the regions.
"... they are mainly trained to conduct intelligence, how to tag seized items and so on before they are handed over to officers in the field for further action.
"The job is not merely confined to making seizures but to also conduct investigations and prepare charges under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (POCA) and Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds from Illicit Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Aug 21 2021
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Zainal Abidin Kasim said the battalion was likely to be stationed in Kapit as it was close to Kalimantan. - BERNAMA filepic
Trump repeats tariffs threat to dissuade BRICS nations from replacing US dollar
Trump warns BRICS member countries from replacing the US dollar as a reserve currency by repeating a 100%-tariffs threat.
UN chief demands evacuation of 2,500 Gaza children at 'imminent risk' of death
The doctors said they are advocating for a centralised process for medical evacuations with clear guidelines.
US looking into whether DeepSeek used restricted AI chips, source says
Current restrictions on Nvidia artificial intelligence processors are meant to stop its most sophisticated chips from reaching China.
Number of evacuees continues to rise in flood-hit Sabah, Sarawak
In Sarawak, the number of evacuees rose to 9,398 from 2,725 families this morning.
Investigators find black boxes after deadly Washington plane crash, continue search for answers
Investigators recovered the so-called black boxes from the American Airlines Bombardier jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
Malaysia among nine nations to meet in The Hague over alleged Israeli law violations
Nations expected to plan "coordinated legal, economic, and diplomatic actions" to hold Israel accountable for violating international law.
Near-misses at Washington airport worried pilots well before fatal crash
In the moments before the crash, an air traffic controller can be heard on recordings asking the Army helicopter to pass behind the jet.
No clear reason yet for Washington air disaster that killed 67, officials say
NTSB has begun collecting wreckage, including portions of the helicopter, and is storing it at a hangar at Reagan National.
Where do the legal cases against Trump's executive orders stand?
Here is a look at the cases and where they stand.
Moments before deadly stampede at India's Maha Kumbh, devotees pleaded to open more routes
Police say the path leading to main bathing area is only 50 metres wide and barricaded on either side to avoid people spilling over.
Risk of violence escalates in Myanmar's civil war as junta flags elections
Myanmar's embattled ruling generals are making their most concerted effort to gain legitimacy - by pushing to hold another election.
UN rights chief seeks $500 million in 2025, warning that lives are at risk
The annual appeal is for funds beyond the allocated UN funds from member states' fees, which make up just a fraction of the office's needs.
Floods in Sabah, Sarawak: PM orders NADMA to strengthen federal, state response machinery
PM says the primary focus at this moment is the welfare of flood victims and ensuring the safety of people in the affected areas.
Millions of Hindus take "holy dip" a day after fatal stampede
Devotees take daily 'holy dips,' but on certain dates, "royal" dips are deemed more sacred, drawing larger crowds.
Trump orders agencies to scrub 'gender ideology' from contracts, websites
Federal agencies are required to "recognise women are biologically female, and men are biologically male."
US figure skaters were on board plane that crashed into Potomac River
US Figure Skating said athletes, coaches, and families returning from the National Development Camp were aboard the flight.
Disaster relief assets deployed to flood-affected areas in Sarawak - Ahmad Zahid
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that, so far, more than 50 relief centres have been activated to house flood victims in the state.
Air traffic controller audio captures moments before and after Washington plane crash
The crash caught on a webcam, shows the aircraft exploding in flames and plummeting to earth after it was struck by the helicopter.
Scores feared dead in Washington after jet collides with helicopter, crashes into river
Officials gave no death toll, but Senator Roger Marshall said most, if not all, aboard the Kansas-origin flight likely died in the crash.
Tiong: Additional personnel mobilised to assist in Bintulu disaster relief efforts
Without specifying the exact number, Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the personnel are expected to arrive tomorrow.