PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) is set to receive exposure and training support from the Australian Border Force.
MCBA director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the move aims to strengthen the professionalism and mindset of officers at the country’s entry points.
“We have spoken to them. In principle, they are okay with the proposal. Basically, Australia has no objection and they welcome it. Now we are waiting for the suitable timing and also the financial aspect for us to send our men,” he said.
Shuhaily said exposure to international standards was critical, as frontline officers were rarely given such opportunities.
“For me, frontline officers are rarely exposed to international standards. So we are trying to send them so that they are given the opportunity to see an agency that is highly regarded.
“At the same time, my men, later on, maybe we can improve in terms of language. English has become essential.
“Maybe they can speak Arabic. Maybe they can speak Mandarin. Then our men at the border will look professional. Our officers will be more knowledgeable in conducting their duties.
“We want to change not the people at the top, but the people on the frontline. Hopefully they can come back and become a motivation to the others, to jointly bring change at the entry points,” he said.
Shuhaily said this as professionalism at entry points was closely linked to national sovereignty and that the ABF was seen as a benchmark because of its strict border controls.
“For me personally, sovereignty arises when people have a sense of respect at the entry points of a country.
“That shows the sovereignty of my state. Before you even enter, you already know this country has laws, so you have to respect those laws.
“When we go to Australia, we already feel worried whether our shoes have soil or not, because you cannot even carry soil into Australia. So if people can come to Malaysia and respect us like that, I think I have achieved what I wanted,” he said.
Shuhaily added that the plan involved sending a small number of frontline officers to Australia on a continuous basis, rather than in large groups.
“We can’t send many, but once we can send them, it is a continuous effort, every year maybe 10 people or whatever, with the hope that they can bring a change of mindset,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
