Police to propose use of drones for border control: Zulkifli

BUKIT KAYU HITAM: The police will recommend the use of new technologies, including drones, for the purpose of border control at major entry points in the country, said Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Zulkifli Abdullah.
He said this was to beef up security control along the 646km border area from Perlis to Kelantan, which has been under the purview of the force.
"We will do better and become more effective in border control with the use of new technologies such as closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, drones and other surveillance devices, as they can provide early information to the authority in the event of intrusion," he said after visiting the General Operations Force (PGA) Tactical Headquarters near here today.
Zulkifli said the use of such technologies would optimise the deployment of its personnel at national borders, as well as to allow them to work in a more systematic and efficient manner.
Currently, there are 200 PGA personnel stationed at the country's border at Bukit Kayu Hitam.
Zulkifli said he would discuss the matter with the Home Ministry and other relevant ministries soon, considering that the force has a special unit operating drones.
He also explained that he would forge closer ties with his Thai counterpart via joint meetings, as well as create a win-win situation between the two parties.
"There have been problems on their side (in southern Thailand) too such as smuggling activities … so, if we can work together with Thailand, we will get the good results too," he said.
Zulkifli also praised the success of the PGA members at the borders for securing a total seizure of almost RM1.4 million from January to last month, comprising items such as ketum leaves, firearms and liquor. — Bernama