Kuala lumpur: The closure of illegal bases along the Malaysia-Thailand border has disrupted the movement and transit network of smuggling syndicates, thus contributing to a significant decrease in smuggling cases detected in Kelantan. Kelantan Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) director Hanif Yusabra Yusof said the closure of illegal routes has caused syndicates to face difficulties in carrying out smuggling activities as their access and transit routes have been affected.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Yusof highlighted the substantial reduction in smuggling cases, emphasizing the improved enforcement capabilities since the closure of illegal bases. 'When compared to the situation before the illegal base was closed and today, the decrease is very significant in terms of smuggling cases that we detect and arrest. When access for smuggling is closed, the control of the enforcement authorities becomes better and it helps enforcement operations,' he told Bernama recently.

He stated that the KPDN has bolstered its border control measures through static deployment of personnel at petrol stations, supplemented by continuous patrols as part of routine operations. These operations are conducted seven days a week, focusing on border areas to prevent the leakage and smuggling of controlled goods, particularly subsidized fuel.

In response to Thailand's proposal to construct a fort in the border area, Hanif Yusabra expressed the Kelantan KPDN's support, anticipating that it would enhance cross-border control and further hinder the operations of smuggling syndicates.

A recent Bernama survey in Sungai Golok, Narathiwat, Thailand, revealed a decline in the sale of petrol and diesel believed to be smuggled from Malaysia, following the closure of illegal bases. Previously, fuel was readily available for sale in several locations, but the survey found a reduction in availability, with petrol and diesel being sold in smaller quantities and no longer openly displayed.

Moreover, the survey observed that many locations once thought to be transit and fuel sales points now appeared deserted, highlighting the impact of the closure on the supply chain of cross-border smuggling activities.