Govt mulls AI analytics, drones to tighten surveillance in northern waters, says deputy minister

Malaysia is studying AI-powered predictive analytics and expanding drone deployments to strengthen surveillance and enforcement in northern waters of Peninsular Malaysia, according to Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (June 29), he said the measures are intended to improve border security and combat cross-border crimes including migrant smuggling and trafficking of controlled goods, particularly around Langkawi. The ministry is evaluating predictive AI technology while agreeing in principle to gradually increase use of unmanned aerial vehicles under the Home Ministry’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and AI Strategic Plan 2026-2030. Shamsul Anuar said drones would act as a “force multiplier” by enabling real-time aerial surveillance in high-risk areas with limited monitoring. He also discussed a proposal for an integrated forward operating base in Teluk Ewa, Langkawi, and noted that the Maritime Enforcement Agency uses SWASLA. For enforcement data, it recorded 49 arrests in Kedah and Perlis from January to May, versus 152 cases throughout 2025.