KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Government has decided to defer the implementation of the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) in the state following concerns over the potential erosion of Sabah’s immigration autonomy and special privileges.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the decision was made after the State Cabinet reviewed legal and operational issues surrounding AKPS, including inconsistencies between the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency Act 2024 (Act 860) and the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155).
According to him, AKPS will assume the role currently carried out by the Sabah branch of the Immigration Department of Malaysia at the state’s entry points, but the State Authority would not have direct control over the agency.
He stressed that Sabah and Sarawak’s immigration autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 is a non-negotiable right.
“The State Government will only reconsider the implementation of AKPS after obtaining assurances that there will be no erosion of Sabah’s special rights, immigration autonomy, and constitutional safeguards,” he said.-BNN
