Govt considering using AI to beef up border security, says Saifuddin
Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (second from left) and defence minister Khaled Nordin (right) visit a booth during a preview of the 18th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering employing cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance the country’s border security, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.
He said this aligned with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s vision for Malaysia to become a sustainable, high-income nation with a safe and secure environment.
“Threats such as cyber-attacks, radicalism and extremism need to be handled effectively to safeguard the harmony and sustainability of the nation,” Saifuddin said at a joint press conference with defence minister Khaled Nordin today.
He said the establishment of the Malaysia Checkpoints and Border Agency (MCBA) is one of the steps taken to increase border security.
On Thursday, Anwar announced that the country’s borders became MCBA’s responsibility from May 1.
He said even though the formation of the MCBA has yet to go through Parliament, relevant departments, such as immigration and customs, could commence duties right away.
According to Saifuddin, the bill has yet to be reviewed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Earlier, both ministers attended a walkabout for the 18th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference as well as the 3rd International Exhibition on National Security for Asia 2024, to be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre here from May 6 to 9.