Kuala lumpur: A total of 171 people were detained for involvement in illegal Malaysia-Thailand cross-border activities in Kelantan under Op Taring Wawasan from Jan 1-Aug 31. General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain stated that of the total, 110 were Malaysians, 58 were Thai nationals, and one each from Indonesia, Myanmar (Rohingya), and Nigeria. Those arrested comprised 137 men and 34 women, all aged between 20 and 60. The case is being investigated under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Radzi explained that factors prompting individuals to use illegal routes included avoiding checks at legal entry and exit points, leisure trips, visiting family members, travel document issues, and entering Malaysia to work, particularly for Thai nationals. He revealed that most detainees usually entered or left Malaysia via illegal jetties by boat, with fares ranging from RM5 to RM10 depending on the time.

Monitoring has uncovered attempts to use ungazetted routes, as certain parties exploit opportunities to assist individuals in crossing the border without adhering to stipulated procedures. Consequently, GOF plans to tighten controls and increase patrols in identified high-risk areas, especially along the Sungai Golok. Enforcement efforts will focus on migrant smuggling activities and parties attempting to facilitate the illegal entry of foreign nationals.

Ahmad Radzi emphasized that the GOF would continue to strengthen border controls to curb encroachment, smuggling, and illegal cross-border activities, safeguarding the country's security and sovereignty.