PARLIAMENT | Malaysia is one step closer to having a full fledged Border Security Agency after a bill to form one was passed in the Dewan Rakyat.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, while wrapping up the debate on the Bill, assured that there will be no additional costs incurred to man the agency - which will patrol land borders.

This is because, under the proposed Act, border protection officers will be taken from among the police, customs, immigration, National Anti-Drug Agency, National Kenaf and Tobacco Board and other relevant authorities.

Similarly, Zahid said there will be no additional costs to appoint the agency's commissioner-general, which he said would be a police officer with the rank of senior assistant commissioner...