Rantau panjang: The installation of Concertina wire along a 1.8-kilometre stretch from Pos Ibrahim Pencen to Muhibbah bridge in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, is urged to be expedited to curb ongoing cross-border criminal activities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Commander of the Southeast Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF), Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid, stated that the route is frequently used by residents for illegal border crossings and smuggling activities. Previously, Concertina wire was installed at an illegal base near Bukit Lata bordering the town of Mundok in Thailand, but it was damaged by smugglers.
Nik Ros Azhan expressed concerns that smuggling activities, particularly involving drugs, firearms, and illegal immigrants, will escalate if the security barrier is not installed promptly. The Kelantan government has agreed to this proposal, and a similar proposal has been submitted to the Thai authorities.
During a working visit with the Deputy Secretary-General (Sectoral) of the Ministry of Economy, Datuk Luqman Ahmad, to the Malaysia-Thailand border, Nik Ros Azhan also requested the Home Ministry to improve facilities and control posts along the border to better accommodate GOF members. He emphasized the need for closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and surveillance drones, noting that two posts have been completed and are expected to be handed over to the GOF soon.
Furthermore, the GOF has applied for the construction of eight additional control posts in hotspots such as Pulau Tengkorak and Sungai Mentua in Pengkalan Kubor. Nik Ros Azhan also proposed establishing a post at the illegal Syed Agil base near Rantau Panjang to deter criminal activities with the presence of personnel on duty.
Nik Ros Azhan highlighted the government's commitment to tightening border control, while urging local residents to shift away from relying on smuggled goods for income. In related developments, Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat previously announced that 128 illegal jetties along Sungai Golok, from Pengkalan Kubor to Rantau Panjang, will be demolished by local authorities following state government approval.