SEPANG, March 8- The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) has received positive feedback on its efforts to reduce bureaucracy in managing the country's borders.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail expressed relief at the feedback received from the public.

He was also optimistic that the establishment of AKPS was the right decision with the combination of four major agencies under one roof.

"The most noticeable reaction now is that when we unite AKPS under one roof, we find that the bureaucratic red tape can be significantly reduced."

"Some of our customers who deal with the entry points, they find that dealing with the single agency is much easier compared to their previous experience. At least, I feel relieved to hear such feedback," he said.

So far, 22 AKPS have been operating nationwide and the Ministry of Home Affairs expects to further expand operations to 123 entry points nationwide until October this year.

Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution was met during the press conference of the AKPS Ramadhan Pure Values ​​Program with the Minister of Home Affairs 2025.

In the program, he presented 680 packs of sahur food to officers on duty as a morale booster and recognition to officers who work hard to ensure the security of the country's entry points is maintained.

Also present were the Deputy Director-General (Management), Malaysian Immigration Department, Datuk Makhzan Mahyuddin and the Director-General of Immigration, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Saifuddin announced that his department had identified a candidate to replace the Director-General of AKPS, Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali.

Several discussion sessions with the Public Service Department and relevant parties were held to ensure that qualified and experienced candidates were selected.

Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali was the first DG of AKPS, who retired on 9 February after leading the body since 31 January last year.