AKPS readies welcome for Asean Summit delegates
PUTRAJAYA: The Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) is stepping up readiness at all major entry points into the country ahead of the 46th Asean Summit next week to maintain national security and ensure smooth arrival for the delegates.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2 and the Bunga Raya Complex in Sepang are among the entry points expecting the arrival of heads of state and foreign delegates for the event.
APKS functions as the sole border control agency, consolidating the expertise and resources of various government agencies, including Immigration and Customs, to streamline operations at the country's international entry points.
Acting AKPS director-general Datuk Sazali Mohamad said the agency is implementing a series of strategic measures to ensure a smooth process for all foreign delegates entering the country.
He said designated protocol lanes will be provided in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to expedite clearance for delegates, sparing them from having to queue in normal lanes, particularly at main entry points such as KLIA.
'AKPS is also strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders involved in the Asean Summit, including the Foreign Ministry, police, MAHB and AKPS' core agencies – the Immigration Department and Health Ministry,' he told Bernama.
He added that such collaboration is crucial in enabling AKPS to conduct preliminary checks and assessments before the delegates arrive.
Sazali said the extension of autogate usage to passport holders from Asean member states for international departures will also help expedite immigration clearance.
'In addition, inspections are being enhanced through the dedicated VVIP counters at the Bunga Raya Complex and a special VIP lounge to welcome dignitaries,' Sazali said.
He said that during the summit period, four AKPS teams will be stationed at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, with 150 officers assigned to each shift.
'For the VVIP route at the Bunga Raya Complex, 50 officers will be on duty specifically to welcome and manage the arrival of dignitaries,' he added.
To ensure all personnel are prepared operationally and tactically, Sazali said AKPS is conducting safety drills and simulations in line with guidelines issued by the Foreign Ministry.
'Throughout the summit, AKPS, in collaboration with the Immigration Department's Security and Passport Division, the police and Foreign Ministry will conduct pre-arrival checks on information related to delegates and officials scheduled to attend the Asean Summit,' he said.
Sazali affirmed that AKPS is committed to ensuring the comfort and smooth arrival of delegates, which will reflect positively on both the country and all agencies involved.
'As a frontline agency, AKPS' service will shape delegates' first impression of their visit to the country,' he said.
The Asean Summit will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26 and 27, alongside the second Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit.
With the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', it will mark Malaysia's fifth time chairing Asean.
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