Home Ministry developing AI‑based National Border Control System to strengthen surveillance

The Home Ministry is developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based National Border Control System (SKSN) incorporating data analytics to strengthen surveillance and security enforcement along Malaysia’s borders. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 12 Oct 2026 3:27 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 — The Home Ministry is developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based National Border Control System (SKSN) incorporating data analytics to strengthen surveillance and security enforcement along Malaysia’s borders.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the system would serve as a smart surveillance platform, enabling real-time information sharing among enforcement agencies, detecting suspicious movement patterns and expediting responses in high-risk areas.

He said the development of SKSN was based on a feasibility study conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Public Security, including the integration of intelligence and surveillance systems through the establishment of a single command centre.

“Through SKSN, intelligence and surveillance systems will be integrated. It will combine and link information directly between enforcement agencies,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar) on the government’s master plan to establish an integrated smart border control system, particularly in Perlis, incorporating AI, smart video technology, drones, thermal sensors and intelligence databases.

On the implementation of technology-based surveillance in Perlis and along the Malaysia-Thailand border, he said the CCTV control room and Video Surveillance System (VSS) at Padang Besar Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex were equipped with 42 cameras and 264 lights, covering a 53.3-kilometre stretch.

Shamsul Anuar said the government had also procured eight Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drones worth RM26 million, while the supply of five Mobile Intelligence FTI units worth RM7 million was in its final stage.

“In addition, we have procured 40 units of various types of drones worth approximately RM5.2 million,” he said.

He added that the construction of a jetty and observation tower complete with CCTV cameras and drones at Batu Putih Post in Perlis, costing RM20 million, was also under way, while existing surveillance systems operated by the police were being upgraded under the Third Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan.

Meanwhile, he said 25 illegal crossing routes had been identified in Perlis as of September 2026, while the General Operations Force (GOF) recorded seizures worth RM6.57 million along the state’s border in 2025 and RM6.27 million from January to August this year. — Bernama