Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Hazani’s appointment as the director-general of the Malaysia Checkpoints and Border Agency (MCBA) will take effect today.

Hazani previously served as the Sabah police commissioner from 2020 to 2022. Prior to that, he was the commander of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) from 2017.

Saifuddin said Hazani’s appointment is based on his qualifications and extensive experience of 37 years in national security, public order enforcement, and law enforcement.

“The single border agency is being introduced to improve the efficiency of service delivery at the country’s entry points, reduce revenue leakage, and enhance integrity among enforcement officers while conducting inspections,” said Saifuddin during a press conference here.

“I am confident that with Hazani’s experience, knowledge, expertise, and credibility, he will drive this new frontline government agency (forward).”

Hazani began his career in the police force in 1987 and was entrusted with special and covert operational tasks to combat criminal activities such as smuggling and robberies – including leading raids against terrorists.

Saifuddin said Hazani successfully thwarted armed intrusion attempts when he served as the Esscom commander prior to being appointed the Sabah police chief.

He also praised Hazani’s leadership and credibility in leading Bukit Aman’s internal security and public order department, which he said has helped foster better relations with other countries.

The Cabinet agreed to the proposal to set up the new entity on Jan 3. Saifuddin said the bill to establish the agency will be tabled in Parliament in March.

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