To do so, it proposes the establishment of an agency consisting of 18 departments, ministries and agencies.
The groups involved are the prime minister’s department, finance ministry, National Security Council, transport ministry, health ministry, plantation and industries ministry, tourism and culture ministry, defence ministry, agriculture and agro-based industry, foreign ministry, natural resources and environment ministry, internal security, police, customs, immigration, National Anti-Drug Agency and National Kenaf and Tobacco Board.
The agency’s functions include carrying out land border control, making recommendations, and monitoring, coordinating and receiving reports on smuggling and other illegal border activities. It will also formulate policies and programmes to prevent smuggling activities.
The agency will have a coordinating committee, consisting mostly of chief police officers from various states, together with department directors-general.
It will have a commissioner-general and a deputy commissioner-general, appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a period not exceeding three years.
The bill also pushes for the protection of informers and for the evidence of agent provocateurs to be admitted as proof to secure land borders.
The second reading is expected to be held in the next Dewan Rakyat sitting.