Kelantan: Malaysia-Thailand cross-border criminal activities are under control since the ban on illegal crossings came into effect last year on December 1, said Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat. He highlighted that efforts to strengthen control at the Malaysia-Thailand border in Kelantan have had a positive impact.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, cross-border criminal activities have been successfully reduced, and police have arrested seven individuals for illegal crossings. These individuals have been charged and sentenced under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963 (Act 155). Mohd Yusoff stated that the Thai authorities have welcomed the efforts of the Malaysian authorities and have committed to arresting individuals using illegal crossings on their side as well.

Mohd Yusoff noted that the Pasir Mas district is a preferred route for smugglers and individuals using illegal crossings compared to Tumpat and Jeli. In Pasir Mas alone, over 20 illegal crossings have been identified by the police. The General Operations Force (GOF) is actively conducting patrols in these border areas to maintain security and prevent illegal activities.

Furthermore, the police have stationed one battalion of the Senoi Praaq from Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, for operations at the Malaysia-Thailand border. The Senoi Praaq took over from the existing forces on January 1 and are now stationed at 17 GOF posts. Mohd Yusoff expressed that the deployment of the Senoi Praaq is expected to further enhance control at the Kelantan border and strengthen the security of the country.