Kelantan: Smuggling syndicates operating along the Malaysia-Thailand border have been relocating their illegal floating jetties to the Thai banks to avoid detection and demolition by local authorities. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat disclosed that this tactic was uncovered during the second phase of an integrated enforcement operation at four locations along Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation, which will continue until December 14, involves collaboration among various agencies, including the police, the National Security Council, and local authorities. Datuk Mohd Yusoff revealed that information about the demolition of illegal bases was leaked, prompting smugglers to move their jetties to the Thai side to prevent them from being destroyed.
The police chief confirmed that several other illegal bases in the Jeram Perdah and Rantau Panjang areas were successfully demolished, with the operation proceeding smoothly without any incidents. He stressed that despite the smugglers' attempts to relocate their jetties, the operations would persist to eliminate all illegal structures facilitating smuggling activities.
Datuk Mohd Yusoff stated that 17 illegal bases have been earmarked for demolition as part of efforts to curb illegal entry and cross-border crime. These include Jitong, Maghrib, Kak Pah, and Kayangan Inn.
Meanwhile, a review by Bernama indicated that smuggling activities continue on a smaller scale along certain 'rat lanes' around Sungai Golok, with suspicious movements observed at night, particularly in swampy and secluded areas. Residents reported that smugglers frequently change the location of the floating jetties to evade detection.
Additionally, observations of the Thai riverbank near the operation area revealed several small floating jetties, believed to belong to smugglers, anchored on the Thai side. This aligns with information received by authorities regarding the syndicate's efforts to relocate the illegal structures to avoid demolition.