Rantau Panjang: More than 200 unauthorised bases along the Malaysian side of the Sungai Golok border have been shut down following strict action by the Home Ministry to combat cross-border crimes, its minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. He noted that this move was among the decisions adopted during the Committee on Strengthening National Border Control meeting he previously chaired, aimed at tightening surveillance along the 103-kilometre border route.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the closure of these illegal bases and the implementation of a comprehensive presence approach by security forces have successfully reduced illegal border crossings. Saifuddin Nasution stated that there have been no significant numbers of individuals crossing borders illegally and the trend has been controlled since December. He shared these updates with reporters after visiting the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex in Rantau Panjang.

Security control has been strengthened with 819 personnel deployed in rotation for monitoring and raid operations in border hotspot areas. Saifuddin Nasution mentioned that when they close illegal bases and conduct consistent inspections, there is a slight decrease in drug supplies. However, he cautioned against complacency as smugglers might find alternative routes.

The minister also highlighted a new trend of drug landings in Kuala Kedah and Kuala Sanglang in Perlis, which are believed to be syndicates’ response to tightened border controls in Kelantan. He mentioned being informed about increased drug landings in Kedah and is investigating if this is a direct result of the crackdown at the Kelantan border. He plans to consult with the Kedah police chief, Datuk Fisol Salleh, on the matter.

Ongoing surveillance will monitor for any rebuilt illegal bases, as smugglers constantly adapt their methods to evade detection.