ALOR SETAR: The construction of a border wall along the Malaysia-Thailand border at Sungai Golok in Kelantan remains at the proposal stage, as stated by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He highlighted that while a border fence has long existed, a recent proposal by Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan suggests the construction of a 100-kilometre wall along the border.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the government is committed to addressing national border security issues seriously. The Home Ministry (KDN) is currently conducting a proof of concept (POC) along a 40-kilometre stretch of the northern border in Padang Besar, Perlis, involving CCTV, and plans are underway to incorporate a drone POC. Saifuddin emphasized the need to explore various technologies alongside fencing for effective border control. He shared these insights while inaugurating the Immigration Department’s Baitul Mahabbah Darul Aman Complex in Kuala Kedah.
As the chairman of the Border Security
Committee, Saifuddin noted that discussions on the matter are ongoing, but the National Security Council (MKN), led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, holds the ultimate authority. Recently, Kelantan’s Deputy Menteri Besar indicated that discussions with the federal government would focus on constructing a wall along Sungai Golok to address smuggling and illegal border crossings.
In addition, Saifuddin Nasution provided updates on the Baitul Mahabbah facilities. These facilities, located in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan; Papar, Sabah; Miri, Sarawak; Tanah Merah, Kelantan; and Kuala Kedah, collectively accommodate 340 people. Since the first Baitul Mahabbah opened in September 2023, KDN and the Immigration Department have housed 415 children with their guardians and repatriated 128 detainees. Plans are in place to open another facility in Johor soon.
Baitul Mahabbah serves as a temporary shelter for foreign children under 10 who are detained with their guardians while their documentation is processed. The
initiative, introduced by the MADANI Government, aims to enhance Malaysia’s international reputation in upholding the human rights of foreign children.