THE construction of a security wall along the banks of Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, is no longer a matter of policy discretion but a pressing strategic necessity, according to Kelantan’s police chief, who warned of persistent cross-border smuggling activities and limitations in conventional enforcement methods.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the narrow and shallow nature of the river, which forms part of the Malaysia-Thailand border, renders even the most advanced surveillance technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence and closed-circuit television (CCTV) insufficient without physical barriers.
“Even with high-tech systems in place, the river’s geography allows people to cross into Thailand in just seconds,” he said in a recent interview with Bernama at the Kelantan Police Headquarters. “That’s why I strongly urge the government to expedite the construction of a security wall or fence along the river buffer zone.”
He added that current surveillance tools require constant manpower and are still vulnerable to circumvention, particularly during adverse weather or natural disasters.
The border terrain in Kelantan, he noted, presents far more logistical challenges compared to states such as Perlis or Kedah, with some stretches in Tanah Merah and Jeli separated from Thailand by only a few metres.
“Due to the river's narrow width and shallow depth, the smuggling of livestock and contraband is alarmingly easy,” he said. “This proposal has been on the table for some time, and I truly hope it will now be realised, as it remains the most effective solution.”
Mohd Yusoff cited the United States-Mexico border strategy as a precedent, where physical barriers play a central role in border control. He stressed that a border wall in Kelantan would not only curb smuggling but also affirm Malaysia’s territorial sovereignty.
“If we are serious about controlling 100 per cent of cross-border activity, a security wall is the only comprehensive solution,” he said. “It is not merely a security measure—it is a long-term investment in national defence.”
Beyond border protection, the proposed wall would also serve a dual purpose as flood mitigation infrastructure. Kelantan’s eastern districts, particularly those near the river, are regularly affected by seasonal flooding.
Of the 163-kilometre stretch along the Kelantan-Thailand border, approximately 91 kilometres encompass water-bound zones. Mohd Yusoff believes the barrier can be installed in stages, tailored to local terrain.
“During the monsoon, the river overflows and the national boundary becomes invisible, allowing smugglers to travel by boat deep into Malaysia, even reaching Pasir Mas and Meranti,” he said. “Conversely, in the dry season, the river dries up, making it possible to walk across with ease.”
He noted that local police posts and stations are often inundated during the rainy season, limiting security operations while officers must also assist flood victims. The proposed wall, he said, would allow for safer patrolling, especially during floods when boat deployment is limited.
Thailand has previously welcomed the idea. In November last year, Narathiwat Governor Trakul Thotham said the construction of a border wall along the Sungai Golok-Rantau Panjang corridor would be a key step in combating transboundary crime. - October 13, 2025
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