Pulau tengkorak: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has identified the area around Pulau Tengkorak, near Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, as a hotspot for cross-border crime, particularly for smuggling cigarettes and illegal immigrants into the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kelantan MMEA director Capt (M) Erwan Shah Soahdi stated that the area has a five-kilometer shoreline extending to Pantai Geting and borders the town of Takbai in Thailand. Its strategic location, facing the South China Sea and in close proximity to the neighboring country, enables smugglers to easily land goods and bring in immigrants.

The region is covered with casuarina trees and has numerous smuggling routes that syndicates use, especially at night. The Malaysia-Thailand border is just about 500 meters at the mouth of Kuala Takbai, allowing smugglers to use small boats and escape easily if detected by the authorities, he explained.

Kelantan’s shoreline, stretching over 70 kilometers and bordering Thailand’s waters, makes it an attractive route for smugglers. Pantai Geting, in particular, is a frequent landing site due to its wide area, which makes it difficult for authorities to detect such activities.

Despite frequent patrols, the area continues to be a popular choice for smugglers. Last June, eight Myanmar nationals were apprehended at the location. Up until September this year, five smuggling cases involving undocumented immigrants and cigarettes have been recorded, Capt Erwan added.