THE Army has apprehended a Chinese national attempting to enter the country illegally via an unauthorised route near Sungai Golok, along the Malaysia-Thailand border in Kelantan.
In a statement released by the 2nd Infantry Division Headquarters, it was revealed that the 38-year-old man was detained at approximately 10.30pm last night by army personnel conducting routine patrols in the area under the responsibility of the 8th Infantry Brigade (KTJ 8 Bgd).
“The individual was intercepted after disembarking from a boat at the Malaysian riverbank near a forested area, having crossed from Thailand,” the statement said.
Upon inspection, the suspect was found to be in possession of valid Chinese identification, including a national identity card and a passport.
“The suspect also claimed to have paid a sum of money to an agent who had promised employment opportunities in Malaysia,” the army said.
The authorities also reported that the suspect was carrying personal belongings and foreign currency—comprising Chinese and Thai money—valued at approximately RM13,900.55.
Following his detention, the individual was handed over to the Tanah Merah District Police Headquarters (IPD) for further investigation and legal action.
The army noted that this was the first such arrest involving a Chinese national in the area since the last recorded case by Malaysian Army operations in 2023.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by border enforcement agencies in curbing illegal entry attempts along the porous northern frontier, particularly in areas where dense foliage and waterways offer cover for smuggling and unauthorised crossings. - April 12, 2025
