21 hours Ago By Hafiz Ilah Aziz
KUALA LUMPUR: The Customs Department is set to transfer its frontline officers and personnel to the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA), with the transfer expected to take place in the coming months.Customs director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin said 1,053 officers would be involved in the relocation to the new agency under the Home Ministry's purview.Since early last year, the department has already transferred eight officers to be absorbed into MCBA.
"A total of 1,053 frontline Customs Department officers will be transferred to MCBA as cadre positions."Of this number, eight have already been transferred as of March 7 and are now serving at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan," she said.It is understood that frontline Customs Department personnel are responsible for tax assessment and accurate classification of goods to ensure smooth customs clearance into the country.
A cadre position is a role established within a ministry, department, or agency based on operational needs but is filled by an official from a different ministry, department, or agency.Yesterday, it was reported that at least 5,000 officers and personnel from several enforcement agencies would be reassigned to MCBA in June.Of this number, 2,000 Immigration Department personnel will be deployed to border security operations, while the Customs Department will also contribute thousands of personnel to MCBA.
The personnel transfers will also involve several other enforcement agencies.It is understood that the ICQS Complex in Rantau Panjang has been designated as a pilot project for the full integration of enforcement officers into MCBA.Besides the Immigration Department and Customs Department, other agencies involved in the absorption include the police, General Operations Force, Anti-Smuggling Unit (UPP), Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), Health Ministry enforcement unit, Road Transport Department, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis), and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
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