INTERAGENCY collaboration has become a key component in security work at Fiji’s borders, said Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority Service (FRCS) chairman Malakai Naiyaga.

Speaking at the 2025 International Customs Day celebrations in Suva yesterday, Mr Naiyaga said FRCS’s commitment to security “is unwavering”.

The role of Customs services in keeping a nation secure was a highlight in this year’s theme: “Customs: Delivering on its commitment to efficiency, security and prosperity.”

“In a world where threats are increasingly sophisticated, our role in protecting national and international security has never been more crucial,” Mr Naiyaga said.

“We have strengthened our intelligence-gathering capabilities and fostered robust collaboration with international agencies to combat smuggling, trafficking and other illicit activities.

“Inter-agency collaboration is so crucial in this regard and we will endeavor to take a lead role in fostering the importance of taking a lead role in fostering the importance of collaboration to eradicate border breaches.”

He said several key projects were underway to implement advanced scanning and risk assessment technologies, enabling FRCS to intercept contrabands and harmful goods more effectively, ensuring they do not reach local communities. “Our officers receive continuous training to stay ahead of emerging threats, and we have established joint task forces that work across borders to dismantle criminal networks,” Mr Naiyaga said.

FRCS has 24 Memorandums of Understanding with other local agencies and also works closely with overseas Customs agencies, especially Australia and New Zealand border control authorities.

NOTE: This article was first published in the print edition of the Fiji Times dated January 28, 2025.