KOTA BHARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) has increased border security following a rise in water levels at Sungai Golok during the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season to curb smugglers from taking advantage of the situation. Its Southeast Brigade commander, Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid, stated that the current condition of the Sungai Golok is allowing smuggler boats to enter further into the country’s borders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Nik Ros Azhan mentioned that the GOF is employing four-wheel drives on coastal roads during ‘Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan.’ More frequent patrols are being conducted on these roads and along the banks of the Sungai Golok, especially in hotspot areas, given that most of the riverbanks are submerged, posing a danger to the personnel on duty.

He further explained that boats are being used to transport personnel affected by the floods to safer areas, and GOF personnel are carrying out patrols using Scrambler motorcycles that have the appropriate height to navigat
e the floods. While the overall trend of smuggling during the MTL season has slightly decreased due to the strong river currents and deep water conditions, it cannot be denied that some smugglers are taking risks to exploit the situation.

In the same development, Datuk Nik Ros Azhan reported that no control posts have been affected by the floods for the time being. However, two posts, namely Pos Ibrahim Pencen and Pos Sharifah, have begun to be inundated in the surrounding areas at a level of 0.3 metres as of yesterday.