Kamaruddin said security measures currently in place on Malaysian borders, especially in territorial waters, had proven to be less effective, following the intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
He said prior to the incident, people from southern Philippines could enter the country without any restrictions, while in the northern part of the peninsula, despite border patrols by the security forces, the presence of “rat lanes” facilitate crossings by Malaysians and Thais, circumventing the Immigration checkpoint.
He said, the discovery of the mass graves at the border recently is clear evidence of ineffective border patrols.
Kamaruddin called on the government to proceed with plans to erect perimeter fencing along the border, install closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) and use drones for higher altitude monitoring purposes.
He also raised the question on security personnel sent for border duties, adding that they should be trustworthy and responsible individuals.
Meanwhile, Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Eradication Director, Datuk Ayub Yaakob said there were many enforcement agencies with overlapping functions at the border.
He said they lack coordination and have too many commanders with different sets of policies, priorities, did not share information and operated unilaterally.
Ayub said police chief of the border states should be made the overall commander responsible for command and coordination of all operations and activities in their respective areas.
He said, new and effective modern gadgets need to be installed, like suitable fencing with latest security system that can be operated and monitored systematically.
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