KELANTAN’S police chief has issued a stern warning to officers against collaborating with smuggling syndicates, declaring that any member of the force found involved in corruption, leaking intelligence or protecting criminal networks would face uncompromising action.
Kelantan Chief Police Officer Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said integrity and public trust in the Royal Malaysia Police must be defended at all costs as authorities intensify efforts to combat cross-border smuggling and illegal entry operations along the Malaysia-Thailand border.
Speaking during the monthly assembly at the Kelantan police contingent headquarters, Mohd Yusoff warned against internal betrayal within the force amid mounting concerns over organised smuggling activities in the northern border region.
“Do not let there be among us those who appear loyal in front of us, but ultimately betray the trust placed in them and tarnish the honour of the force from within.
“I also wish to stress that I will never compromise with any member of the Kelantan police contingent found to be involved in corruption, information leaks or misconduct.
“Firm action will be taken to ensure the integrity, credibility and public confidence in the force continue to be protected,” he said.
Mohd Yusoff described smuggling and transnational crime as among the most pressing security challenges currently confronting police in Kelantan, particularly in districts bordering southern Thailand.
He said police, together with other enforcement agencies, had stepped up security controls, intelligence operations and border enforcement measures to curb smuggling activities, illegal immigration and cross-border criminal networks that threaten national security.
According to police figures, authorities recorded 375 contraband-related cases between January and April this year, involving seizures worth more than RM10 million and leading to 212 arrests.
During the same period, police also detected 135 cases involving subsidised goods, with seizures exceeding RM200,000 and 70 arrests made.
“At the same time, we also recorded 102 illegal immigrants from various countries as well as 47 transporters involved in unlawful cross-border activities,” he said.
Mohd Yusoff revealed that intelligence findings showed smuggling syndicates were increasingly shifting towards coastal routes in an attempt to evade law enforcement detection.
He warned that the smuggling threat was no longer confined to traditional border hotspots such as Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah and Jeli, with other areas now also at risk of becoming transit points for criminal syndicates.
Authorities have increasingly expressed concern that evolving smuggling methods, combined with insider collusion and porous maritime access points, could further complicate enforcement efforts along Malaysia’s northern frontier. - May 18, 2026
