Malaysia Installs Concertina Wire Along Sungai Golok to Strengthen Border Security with Thailand
PASIR MAS, Feb 12 — Malaysian authorities have intensified security measures along the Sungai Golok stretch of the Malaysia–Thailand border with the installation of concertina barbed wire fencing at several previously dismantled illegal crossing points.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the first phase of the operation covers approximately 1.5 kilometres, beginning from the so-called “Parking” illegal jetty area in Rantau Panjang to Pos Ibrahim Pencen. These locations have long been identified as vulnerable spots frequently used for smuggling and undocumented cross-border movement.
The fencing initiative will ultimately extend to 26 illegal bases that were earlier demolished by enforcement agencies. The objective is to prevent the reactivation of these informal entry routes and to reinforce surveillance and deterrence along the riverbank.
The Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) under the Prime Minister’s Department has approved RM100,000 for the project. Installation works will be completed in stages and are expected to finish before the upcoming Ramadan period.
Senior enforcement officials, including the Southeast Brigade Commander of the General Operations Force (GOF), SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain, and the Kelantan National Security Council director, Datuk Mohd A. Aruwan Ab Aziz, joined the inspection of the completed fencing segment.
Authorities emphasised that the fencing serves both as a physical barrier and a symbolic reinforcement of enforcement presence. Sungai Golok has historically been associated with cross-border smuggling of untaxed goods and irregular movement of individuals attempting to bypass immigration checkpoints.
In addition to the fencing initiative, enforcement agencies have adopted a tougher stance by confiscating boats used to transport passengers or goods via unauthorised river crossings.
“Previously, enforcement actions focused primarily on seizing contraband or detaining individuals. We are now extending action to include confiscation of vessels used in illegal crossings,” Mohd Yusoff said.
Last week, authorities seized a boat believed to belong to a Thai national. Investigations are ongoing under multiple legal provisions, including immigration laws.
The reinforced measures reflect a broader, multi-agency border security strategy involving police, the General Operations Force, and the National Security Council. Officials say the move aims to close long-standing loopholes and strengthen overall border integrity, particularly ahead of festive periods when cross-border movement tends to increase.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining firm enforcement to curb transnational crime and ensure the security of the Malaysia–Thailand frontier.
-wilayah.com.my
