Malaysia eyes AI, drones to strengthen maritime security, says deputy home minister

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — Security agencies operating in Langkawi and northern Malaysia remain in a good state of readiness and are being continuously strengthened, according to Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.

He said the overall wellbeing of personnel and the condition of operational assets remain strong, supported by ongoing upgrades in capability and coordinated enforcement operations to maintain maritime security.

“This is achieved through enhanced operational capabilities supported by sufficient assets and the implementation of enforcement operations to ensure maritime security is consistently maintained. 

“Sea patrols are conducted 24 hours a day, including in local areas, with intelligence-led surveillance operations and integrated operations with other security agencies through a whole-of-government approach,” he told Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to Langkawi MP Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah on the readiness of security forces in Langkawi to tackle migrant smuggling, goods smuggling and maritime intrusion near the Malaysia-Thailand border, and on plans to use drones (UAVs) as previously requested.

Shamsul Anuar said all enforcement units remain on standby and ready for immediate deployment when required.

He then said that the ministry is also planning to expand the use of drones (UAVs) in national waters, including Langkawi, as part of its long-term security enhancement strategy.

“The ministry agrees with the need to expand the use of such technology and is planning phased implementation in national waters, including Langkawi,” he said, adding that it aligns with the Home Ministry’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030.

He said UAVs will act as a force multiplier to existing maritime assets by providing real-time aerial surveillance, especially in large and high-risk areas with limited coverage.

He also said that the ministry is also exploring artificial intelligence-based predictive analytics to analyse movement patterns, geographical factors and weather data to identify risk areas and forecast potential security threats.

Responding to a supplementary question from Suhaimi on Myanmar migrants transiting through multiple countries and whether the issue has been raised in Asean or bilateral talks, Shamsul Anuar said Malaysia’s priority is national and maritime security, with existing bilateral and regional cooperation already in place.

He said the country already has established bilateral and regional cooperation mechanisms in place, with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) working closely with neighbouring countries in South-east Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand and Australia, to monitor foreign activity and illegal entry attempts.

“With Indonesia, maritime operational planning has long been in place to combat illegal activities in the Straits of Malacca. With Thailand, cooperation exists through joint operations, an annual initiative established since 1979 under a joint operational framework,” he said.

He said any issues arising are addressed through existing cooperation mechanisms between countries.

Shamsul Anuar also shared enforcement statistics, noting that in Kedah and Perlis, including Langkawi, the MMEA recorded 152 cases in 2025 across all offences, and 49 cases up to May 2026.

He said there were two cases involving foreign fishermen in both 2025 and up to May 2026, while under the Marine Police in Kedah and Perlis, no cases were recorded in 2025.

However, in 2026, two cases were recorded under the Immigration Act 1959/63 involving 10 Thai nationals, with no other offences recorded.

“This shows that operations continue to be conducted and regional cooperation remains strong,” he said, adding that operational capabilities are being continuously enhanced across all areas.