JOHOR BAHRU, July 5 — The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) has been strengthened with the appointment of a new leader and delegation of strategic responsibilities.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah expressed confidence in the capabilities of MCBA’s new director-general Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain to lead the agency effectively, adding that the appointment reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in border security.
“He has been entrusted with several specific tasks and responsibilities. I am confident in his ability to ensure border and entry point controls are truly secure,” he said during a working visit with the National Anti-Drugs Agency and the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association here yesterday.
He added that the government is aware of border security challenges, such as smuggling and cross-border crimes, in restructuring MCBA’s role as the primary border control agency.
“We want MCBA to be on a par with border control agencies in countries that have long-established institutions dedicated to safeguarding their national security and sovereignty,” he said.
Shuhaily will head the agency until June 30, 2027, and replaces Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali who retired on February 10 after serving the agency since January 2024.
Shamsul Anuar added that ensuring efficient control at the country’s entry points will be a key priority in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, to safeguard the nation’s image and uphold its international reputation.
— Bernama