Kelantan: Police will take firm action against human-smuggling syndicates using 'tonto' to obstruct enforcement vehicles, following a recent incident in which two General Operations Force (GOF) personnel were hit while carrying out their duties.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat stated that the incident demonstrated increasing boldness on the part of the syndicates, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated. "Human smuggling is a serious issue. They were willing to hit GOF personnel, which is an outrageous act that should not have happened," he asserted during a press conference at the Kelantan Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK).

He announced that action would be taken against all parties involved under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM), as well as Sections 353 and 186 of the Penal Code. Mohd Yusoff further revealed that police had identified human-smuggling activities using sea routes and rivers along the Kelantan coast, and assured that enforcement agencies would remain vigilant against such operations.

While the incident involving the GOF personnel is considered an isolated case, Mohd Yusoff urged officers, particularly those in the field like GOF members and the Kelantan IPK task force, to remain alert and respond appropriately within the law when faced with threats. The incident occurred on August 15, when a land-based smuggler transporting six undocumented Myanmar women rammed two GOF personnel during an inspection at Kampung Chat Palekbang, Tumpat, before being arrested.