PDRM to Deploy AI and Drone Surveillance to Bolster Border Security, Says Bukit Aman

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will expand the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and drone surveillance technology across the nation’s land and maritime borders to combat cross-border crime, Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) Director CP Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri announced today.

Speaking at a press conference at the General Operations Force (GOF) Central Brigade headquarters in Cheras, Mohd Yusri highlighted that transitioning toward tech-driven enforcement aims to minimize manpower reliance while significantly raising operational efficiency across Malaysia’s expansive border zones.

“KDNKA is responsible for safeguarding security along the country’s borders, while control at official entry points is handled by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) together with other enforcement agencies,” Mohd Yusri explained. “Our borders are vast, particularly the stretch from Perlis to Kelantan, apart from the challenges in Sabah and Sarawak. Therefore, the use of these technologies is a necessity.”

Returning from the 39th Thailand-Malaysia High-Level Committee (HLC) meeting in Bangkok, the Bukit Aman chief noted that PDRM is simultaneously intensifying cross-border intelligence-sharing and strategic coordination with neighboring countries. The bilateral framework involves the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) alongside security counterparts from Thailand and Indonesia through joint operations, integrated patrols, and regular working group sessions.

Alongside high-tech solutions, Mohd Yusri emphasized that grassroots community policing remains vital across all 178 GOF control posts operating nationwide. Close relations with local border communities have turned residents into crucial informants for security forces in thwarting criminal networks.

“Information provided by the community has been invaluable in helping us thwart the intrusion of illegal immigrants (PATI),” Mohd Yusri said. “In fact, they also serve as our eyes and ears in preventing the smuggling of controlled and subsidised goods such as petrol, diesel, rice, flour and cooking gas.”

–NMT