KOTA KINABALU: The recent unilateral action by the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has sparked important concerns regarding coordination and recognition of the state government’s authority, said community activist Jaesman Gipin.
He acknowledged public support among Sabahans for the successful seizure of 14 containers of frozen chicken at Sepanggar Port.
Yet he emphasized that the operation was carried out by AKPS, despite the Sabah State Government having officially suspended the agency’s policy and activities in the state, as announced in a Chief Minister’s press statement on May 15, 2026.
“That suspension followed thorough discussions with Sabah’s established enforcement bodies,” he noted.
“Hence, AKPS conducting operations without consultation calls into question inter-agency coordination and respect for state-level decisions,” he said in a statement today.
Jaesman, a former immigration officer, stressed that Sabah already has capable agencies responsible for handling smuggling and border control.
“To preserve administrative cooperation and the principle of shared powers within Malaysia, AKPS should engage in dialogue and recognise the state government’s stance before undertaking any operations,” he added.
He urged all parties to address the situation through constructive talks, ensuring national security efforts align with Sabah’s constitutional autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
