MELAKA: Former commandos who are eligible to join the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) are expected to be able to contribute at least 20 years of service to the agency..

Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said the selection of 220 commandos to join the AKPS involved those who would be completing their service in the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and were at least 40 years old.

“They (these selected commandos) will finish their service and after finishing their service, we will integrate them into the AKPS.

“Most of them are generally 40 years old, so they can still serve for the next 20 years,” he told reporters after officiating the Santuni MADANI ATM Melaka Programme at the Raudhatul Jannah Mosque, Bukit Katil here today.

Adly said the commando members selected involved the Special Forces Group (GGK), Paratroopers (PARA), Special Naval Forces (Paskal) and Special Air Forces (Paskau).
He said members of the country’s elite force also have various expertise that can be used to contribute to more effective border control.

“If we look at these commando members and also trained members, they are involved a lot in the country’s strategic areas (while in military service), so that’s why we suggest they can provide the best service at the country’s entry points,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when presenting the 2026 Budget, announced that priority would be given to appointing officers from among military veterans to meet the needs of the 220 manpower required by AKPS for the agency’s full readiness.

— BERNAMA