BOOSTING MALAYSIA-THAILAND COOPERATION TO TACKLE CROSS-BORDER CRIMES
KOTA BHARU, April 5 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia-Thailand border in Kelantan is one of the most challenging areas for security control due to smuggling routes, cross-border crimes, social issues and the prolonged conflict in southern Thailand, according to police.
The grenade attack and shooting incident at a security post outside the Sungai Golok District Office on March 8, which killed two Thai police officers, has reignited concerns among local residents about border security.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said drug smuggling, firearms trafficking and other illicit activities frequently occur in the area, which is separated only by the narrow Golok River.
“This border area consists of dense forests, rivers and illegal routes that are difficult to monitor comprehensively, even with enhanced patrols and strict enforcement by the General Operations Force,” he told Bernama recently.
Mohd Yusoff highlighted the challenges of strengthening enforcement in the area, including enforcing a ban on illegal border crossings, which took effect on Dec 1, 2024.
He acknowledged that while this measure is necessary, it presents a dilemma for local communities due to the close social, economic and cultural ties between residents on both sides of the border.
“When enforcement is tightened, many locals feel that their freedom is restricted and their livelihoods are affected.
“Although this move is unpopular, it must be implemented for national security. This law has existed for a long time but has often been overlooked for various reasons,” he said.
Additionally, he noted that the Malaysian and Thai governments are strengthening security cooperation, including joint patrols and the use of advanced surveillance technology.
Mohd Yusoff stressed the importance of close collaboration between both nations to ensure more effective security control, particularly along the Kelantan-Narathiwat border.
He also highlighted the need to raise awareness and educate local communities on security threats to reduce cross-border crime risks
Mohd Yusoff said that as 2025 ASEAN Chair, Malaysia plays a crucial role in fostering regional security cooperation, including joint enforcement, enhanced surveillance technology, security training and intelligence sharing among member states.
"Through this security synergy, Malaysia and Thailand remain committed to safeguarding the peace and stability of the border and the ASEAN region as a whole," he added.
-- BERNAMA
