MALAYSIA’S Border Control and Protection Agency (Agensi Kawalan dan Perlindungan Sempadan, AKPS) has heightened its state of readiness across all major national entry points in anticipation of the 46th ASEAN Summit, to be held at the end of May. The move is aimed at ensuring seamless arrival procedures for foreign dignitaries while upholding national security.
Delegates and visiting heads of state are expected to arrive primarily through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2, as well as the Kompleks Bunga Raya in Sepang, which serves as the official VVIP entry facility.
Bernama cited AKPS Acting Director-General Datuk Sazali Mohamad, stating the agency’s full commitment to ensuring efficient and secure processing for all delegates, outlining several strategic approaches.
“A dedicated protocol lane will be established in cooperation with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to expedite immigration clearance for ASEAN delegates, particularly at KLIA. This will prevent them from having to queue in regular lanes,” he said in a statement to Bernama.
Sazali also highlighted strengthened inter-agency collaboration with key partners including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), MAHB, and core AKPS agencies such as the Immigration Department and Ministry of Health.
“This collaboration is vital for pre-arrival checks and assessments to be conducted in advance of the delegates’ arrival,” he added.
AKPS is also extending the use of the Autogate system to ASEAN passport holders for faster international clearance, while dedicated inspection counters and VVIP lounges will be operational at Kompleks Bunga Raya to receive distinguished guests.
To support operations during the summit, four AKPS teams will be stationed at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, comprising 150 officers per shift. An additional 50 officers will be assigned specifically to manage the VVIP route at Kompleks Bunga Raya.
In preparation, AKPS has also conducted tactical and operational security drills in accordance with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“During the summit period, AKPS, alongside the Immigration Department’s Security and Passport Division, PDRM, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will carry out early screenings of delegate information and attending officials,” said Sazali.
He stressed that the agency is dedicated to delivering a welcoming and efficient arrival experience to all summit attendees.
“As a frontline agency, AKPS often provides the first point of contact for international guests. The initial experience we offer helps shape the overall perception of our country and its institutions,” he said.
The 46th ASEAN Summit will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on 26 and 27 May. Concurrently, Malaysia will host the 2nd ASEAN-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Summit.
Under the theme ‘Inclusion and Sustainability’, this marks Malaysia’s fifth term as ASEAN Chair, following previous hostings in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. - May 19, 2025
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