Rantau panjang: Over 200 illegal jetties along the Sungai Golok, a notorious smuggling route on the Malaysia-Thailand border, are slated for demolition within the next two months as part of a newly launched pilot project.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative marks the beginning of a comprehensive strategy to enhance security measures along the border, especially in the Kelantan region. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat announced that the first phase of demolition will target Pangkalan Gergaji and Pangkalan MCA, where illegal jetties have been constructed on government land.

Out of the 223 illegal jetties slated for demolition, 216 have been built illegally on government property, and seven are privately owned structures along Sungai Golok stretching from Pangkalan Kubur to Tanah Merah. The demolition process is expected to be completed in stages due to limited machinery, with completion anticipated within one to two months.

Mohd Yusoff clarified that enforcement actions for the seven privately owned jetties will follow once legal reviews and processes by local government authorities are concluded. He further noted that nearly a year of planning preceded this operation, including community engagement sessions to communicate the demolition’s purpose clearly.

He emphasized that the local community now understands the government’s objective to combat cross-border crimes, which include drug and firearm smuggling, as well as the illegal transport of fuel and other controlled goods. The demolition operations will be overseen by the police, the State National Security Council, and other relevant agencies to ensure safety and efficiency.

Mohd Yusoff called for cooperation from all stakeholders, stressing that the initiative aims to ensure the safety, peace, and security of communities residing along the border.