Rantau panjang: Twenty-nine secondary school students and primary school students above 10 years old arrested for illegally crossing the border in Rantau Panjang two days ago can be charged in court, Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said. Legal action against the 29 of 34 students would be up to the prosecutors as the police only conducted the arrests and investigations, he said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the students have been released on police bail after their statements were taken, and the investigation papers will be handed to the prosecution for further action. Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat emphasized that while the action might seem stern given the involvement of students, there is no room for compromise when it comes to violations of the law and national security. He conveyed these remarks to the media following a monthly gathering at the Kelantan contingent police headquarters.

He further elaborated on the necessity for strict enforcement, citing past instances where irresponsible parties used school students as drug mules. The authorities have reportedly made efforts to aid legal crossings by students, such as providing various facilities, including dormitories, and ensuring the early opening of the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complexes.

The investigations also uncovered that students favored illegal border crossings due to the lower costs involved. The cost of a boat crossing is about RM4, significantly cheaper than the RM10 required for legal routes.