Tumpat: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has secured official approval from the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) to purchase land on Pulau Tengkorak, Tumpat. This acquisition will enable the construction of a new Maritime Post and the installation of a Remote Sensored Site (RSS) Swasla radar system.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Maritime Captain Erwan Shah Soahdi, the MMEA Kelantan director, stated that the new maritime station and radar system aim to improve surveillance capabilities over border waters systematically. These enhancements are expected to aid in the prevention of smuggling and the entry of illegal immigrants.

The selected location is strategically significant due to its proximity to the Thai border, specifically between Takbai and Pengkalan Kubor, an area known for frequent smuggling activities. The radar installation will facilitate continuous monitoring within a radius of 10 to 15 nautical miles, thus bolstering the agency's enforcement efforts.

Currently, enforcement relies on existing manpower and assets, but the introduction of the radar system is anticipated to strengthen the MMEA's efforts to combat illegal activities in the East Coast waters.