Kota bharu: Over 100 illegal jetties along Sungai Golok, spanning from Pengkalan Kubor in Tumpat to Rantau Panjang in Pasir Mas, are scheduled to be demolished by local authorities following the state government’s approval. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat stated that this initiative aims to enhance border control and curb cross-border crimes between Malaysia and Thailand.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the demolition of these 128 illegal jetties is anticipated to eliminate the use of unauthorized routes in the area, thereby assisting in the prevention of cross-border criminal activities. Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat mentioned that the estimated cost for demolishing each jetty would range from RM2,000 to RM5,000, with the operation being conducted in collaboration with various agencies.
He further reported that ongoing border inspections have effectively reduced the use of these illegal entry points by up to 20 percent. To bolster border control, two new posts in Jeram Perdah, which are fully completed, will soon be staffed by members of the General Operations Force (GOF) upon approval from the director of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID). These posts will be designated as JP1 and JP2.
Currently, six old control posts are operational, with six more under construction, and several outdated posts have already been demolished. In addition, Mohd Yusoff revealed that a proposal has been submitted to the Home Ministry for eight additional control posts. These would include two each in the Rantau Panjang and Jeram Perdah sectors and four in Pengkalan Kubor, including Pulau Tengkorak.
Mohd Yusoff also remarked that employing artificial intelligence (AI) technology for border monitoring is not feasible due to the narrow width of Sungai Golok, where smugglers can rapidly cross by boat in mere seconds. On June 19, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah highlighted that various proposals are being considered to enhance the country’s border security, including constructing a wall along the high-risk Malaysia-Thailand border in Kelantan. He emphasized that border security remains a government priority, given the area’s frequent use for drug smuggling and potential security threats if left unaddressed.