Kota bharu: The Malaysia-Thailand border in Kelantan is more than a geographical divide; it is a frontline that continuously tests the nation’s security control, officer integrity, and the readiness of enforcement agencies in combating smuggling and cross-border crime across land and sea. Despite stronger enforcement and the shutdown of all illegal jetties along the Golok River, Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat admits the biggest challenges do not only come from outside but also from within. These include attempts by criminal and extremist networks to establish operational bases, as well as isolated cases of misconduct, power abuse, and corruption among enforcement personnel.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, police possess early intelligence indicating collusion between certain individuals and cross-border syndicates. Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat issued a clear warning that uncompromising action will be taken against traitors, whether they are General Operations Force (PGA) members or civilians. He cited a recent incident at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), where an enforcement officer was arrested for facilitating the illegal entry of foreigners, as proof that even high-tech security environments are not immune to infiltration – making the wide and porous Kelantan border especially vulnerable without strong physical safeguards.
Kelantan has three official entry points under the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex – in Rantau Panjang, Bukit Bunga, and Pengkalan Kubor. The state forms part of the 551-km land border, with another 95 km of river border along the Golok River. Seventeen PGA posts monitor the most active stretch – 45 km – with each responsible for about two kilometres. Challenges include geographical factors like the river’s seasonal behavior and limited fencing, lighting, and surveillance systems, which complicate enforcement. To reinforce control, demolition of 233 illegal jetties from Pengkalan Kubor to Jeli is underway, expected to take two months.
Since the border-crossing ban via illegal routes took effect on Dec 1 last year, security along the Kelantan-Thailand border has been significantly strengthened, aided by daily Special Branch monitoring and cooperation with Thai authorities. Illegal entry by Malaysians into Thailand has dropped by nearly 90 percent, while activity at entertainment centers in Sungai Golok has plunged 85 percent. Nevertheless, smuggling along the border continues in both directions, driven by differences in prices, taxes, and market demand.
Mohd Yusoff emphasized the need for a physical barrier along the border, proposing the construction of a security wall or fence along the river buffer zone. The government has approved RM1.5 billion for the security wall to be built along the Malaysia-Thai border from Tumpat to Tanah Merah in Kelantan. This project will also serve as flood mitigation during monsoon seasons, supporting border control by creating concrete embankments, access routes, and clearer monitoring zones.
The integrity of enforcement officers remains crucial for effective border control. Mohd Yusoff noted that while misconduct exists among a small number of officers, monitoring efforts are being enhanced, including proposals for body-worn cameras to improve transparency. The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has uncovered various serious misconduct cases, further highlighting the need for integrity within enforcement agencies.
Beyond land borders, maritime security is also critical. Maritime Director Capt. Erwan Shah Soahdi identified smuggling hotspots along Kelantan’s coastline facing the South China Sea and the Thai border. Smugglers use sophisticated methods, including high-speed boats and lookouts, to evade detection. The Kelantan Maritime Agency plans to install the Remote Sensored Site (RSS) SWASLA radar system along the East Coast to enhance surveillance. A new maritime post on Pulau Tengkorak will serve as a forward operations center to improve response times.
Despite upgrades to sea and air assets, the vast and challenging maritime zone remains a demanding enforcement area. Smuggling, illegal migration, and incursions by foreign fishing vessels continue to test surveillance capabilities. The security wall, new maritime post, and integrated radar systems are testaments to Malaysia’s determination to protect its sovereignty by land and sea. However, the true safeguard lies not only in technology but in the integrity, discipline, and efficiency of those enforcing the law.