The Ports Security Unit, an arm of the Fiji Military Forces will now be disbanded following a submission to cabinet by Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

Commodore Bainimarama told Cabinet that the Unit was established under the RFMF and ensured and facilitated the legitimate movement of people, goods and vessels and provided assistance to other border control agencies including the Navy and Customs Department.

He explained that following the establishment of the unit, there were concerns raised that it would be duplicating the task of the customs department and private security firms hired by Fiji Ports Company Limited which translated to higher costs for most stakeholders especially the shipping agents and exporters and importers.

The Interim PM stressed that the RFMF deliberated on the issues and risks associated with the continued existence or withdrawal of the Unit and decided that the Ports Security Unit be disbanded.

The Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority and other agencies will now oversee all security aspects at the ports of entry.