Deputy home minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said AKPS’s operations would begin on Feb 1, 2025, Bernama reported.

This will involve 22 entry points, with the immigration, customs, quarantine and security complex (ICQS) in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, as the first location.

“AKPS is expected to take over operations at all 114 active entry points in the country in January 2026.

“We are still in the process of increasing staffing.”

Shamsul said AKPS would be the frontline control agency for border entry points and ports, responsible for integrated control and inspection duties at land, sea and air entry points.

He was replying to a supplementary question from Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) who wanted to know the staff strength and assets for AKPS as well as figures for human trafficking cases.

Regarding human trafficking, Shamsul said 479 cases with 911 arrests were recorded from 2021 till August this year.

He said the Taring Wawasan operation was going on now at the border areas of Kedah, Perlis and Kelantan.

From 2023 to Sept 30, 2024, Op Taring Wawasan recorded 3,031 cases and 4,216 arrests, with seizures worth RM346.85 million involving offences related to the smuggling of drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, petrol, diesel and illegal immigrants.

It was previously reported that the agency was set up to allow for better coordination among the various departments and improve integrity.

In January, it was announced that Bukit Aman’s internal security and public order department director Hazani Ghazali would lead the agency.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had directed all ministries and departments to deploy officers and personnel at the country’s borders to carry out AKPS-related tasks.