Rantau panjang: The terrain of Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, which is long but narrow, presents a significant challenge for the nation’s security forces in controlling cross-border activities and illicit smuggling in the area separating Malaysia and Thailand. Kelantan police chief, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat, said while security measures have been intensified since the closure of all illegal crossings along the river, attempts by certain individuals to bypass these controls continue.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the police are overseeing a 45-kilometre stretch of the river, with 17 General Operations Force (PGA) posts, each responsible for approximately two kilometres of the area. Mohd Yusoff explained that controlling the entire river is difficult due to its length, narrowness, and numerous illegal routes, particularly in the northern areas from Tanah Merah to Jeli, which are surrounded by dense forests. Smugglers often wait for the right moment to cross, using small boats when officers are not in sight.
Mohd Yusoff further said that during the dry season, water levels in Sungai Golok drop, allowing smugglers to cross into southern Thailand on foot in mere seconds. This situation is exploited to smuggle various goods and livestock by walking across the shallow river. He noted that the challenges extend beyond land to vast water areas stretching from Pulau Tengkorak, Genting, to Besut, Terengganu, which are more exposed and extensive.
He expressed hope that the Region Three Marine Police Force, currently based in Kuantan, Pahang, will be relocated to Tok Bali in Pasir Puteh to improve the deployment of all available assets. While the force no longer relies on the Senoi Praaq unit as before, the personnel strength under the PGA Southeast Brigade, covering Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang, is deemed adequate to counter cross-border criminal activities.
In addition, Mohd Yusoff highlighted that the police have recently received an armoured personnel carrier (APC) to strengthen security measures, while other assets are awaiting government approval. He noted that while drug smuggling and human trafficking activities have decreased, attention is now focused on the entry of livestock, such as cows, pigs, and rice from neighbouring countries.
He added that drugs seized in Kelantan are not typically smuggled directly from the border but are already within the state, indicating the use of other routes, including sea routes. He stressed the strong cooperation between Malaysian and Thai security forces, frequently conducting joint operations and meetings with the Malaysian and Thai Marine Police to patrol Sungai Golok and maintain border security.
Mohd Yusoff revealed that a total of 212 illegal crossings have been identified along the Kelantan-Thailand border, with 153 located on government land and the rest on private property. Demolition notices have been issued to the public, with the first phase targeting crossings on government land, expected to begin in the middle of this month.
He added that awareness campaigns are ongoing, led by district police chiefs in the border areas of Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah, and Jeli, aimed at educating local communities that smuggling and illegal border crossings are criminal offences. He noted that many residents in border areas previously believed crossing the border freely was not illegal, but awareness efforts have led to increased reporting of smuggling and migrant activities.
Regarding the integrity of officers and personnel working at the border, Mohd Yusoff stressed that there will be no tolerance for any officer or member involved in colluding with smugglers, asserting that a few individuals engaged in unethical activities are on their radar, and action will be taken. On the use of body cameras for personnel stationed at the border, he mentioned that while body cameras are currently used by the motorcycle patrol unit and patrol vehicles, the police are considering expanding their use to border officers to enhance transparency and monitoring.