Kedah: The General Operations Force (GOF) has been instructed to tighten operations along the Malaysia-Thailand border to prevent Thai nationals from using illegal routes to return to Thailand for Hari Raya celebrations, Kedah police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said. The order was issued after the police detected a sharp increase of Thai citizens going through three entry points in Kelantan over the past two days.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat disclosed that the number of Thai nationals returning to their country in the past two days has reached almost 10,000 people per day. These individuals are primarily using the three Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complexes located in Rantau Panjang, Pengkalan Kubor, and Bukit Bunga. While the majority are complying with legal procedures, there are concerns about some attempting to use illegal routes.

The police chief emphasized the importance of monitoring the movement of Thai nationals returning to their hometowns to prevent any untoward incidents. PGA personnel stationed at the ICQS have been instructed to keep a close watch on their movements, particularly focusing on unauthorised jetties, which are often used by those attempting to cross the border illegally.

Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat stated that all illegal jetties or landing points will be closely monitored, and anyone found violating the law will be detained. This directive has been in place since December 1 of last year, and compliance with the set regulations is mandatory.