PORT KLANG, April 17 -- The government has agreed to equip the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) with necessary armaments, with procurement to begin before year-end, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said the matter had been discussed in meetings with the ministry, and the Cabinet had agreed to the need, following a shooting incident involving the AKPS Bukit Kayu Hitam commander, Mohd Nasaruddin Mohd Nasir, in February.

"We have agreed on the need for armaments, but only the type has yet to be decided. There are various options, such as taser guns or light weapons like pistols. Both options are being studied by the Home Ministry's Secretary-General, in line with Cabinet instructions, which I...