DEWAN RAKYAT APPROVES MALAYSIA BORDER CONTROL AND PROTECTION AGENCY BILL

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency Bill 2024, aimed at establishing the Malaysia Checkpoints and Border Agency (MCBA), was passed in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The bill was approved by a majority voice after it was presented for a third reading by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.

When winding up the debate on the bill, Shamsul Anuar said MCBA would take over the functions of relevant agencies at the country's entry points, such as the Immigration Department (JIM) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM).

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However, he said this takeover does not include the functions of interpretation and collection of duties or taxes at permanent entry points, as managed by JKDM, the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department, Road Transport Department, Wildlife and National Parks Department, and the Ministry of Health.

"The transition of these functions will not affect the relevant agencies or ministries outside the entry points, which also play a role as checks and balances for the entry of people, goods and vehicles into the country that have passed MCBA control at the entry points," he added.

Regarding the staffing of MCBA, Shamsul Anuar said 13,720 positions involving existing agencies managing the country's entry points are expected to be transitioned to roles as members and officers of MCBA.

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On July 9, the bill was read for the first time, with the primary aim of outlining the proposed functions and powers of the agency related to border control and protection, as well as providing provisions for related matters.

It also proposes that if an offence is committed under any written law of the state of Sabah or Sarawak, the enforcement, investigation and prosecution of the offence will be carried out by the respective state authorities.

-- BERNAMA