Risks perilous and aplenty for security personnel at the border

TUMPAT – A short distance of only about 30m between the Malaysian and Thai border is one factor that make cross-border criminal activities difficult to eradicate completely.

Kelantan police chief Shafien Mamat said apart from that, there are many rat lanes at the border made by groups smuggling in goods and immigrants.

He said the narrow border distance, separated only by Sg Golok, is a challenge for enforcement personnel, what more with the existence of "tonto".

At the same time, he said they are also exposed to tremendous risks.

"For example, in the last two months, enforcement personnel were shot at with airguns. Airguns can still cause injury from a certain range, and does not emit any noise.

"This is among the risks faced, and there are many other threats, such as intimidation," he told reporters after surveying the border with the Maritime Police Force in Pengkalan Kubor, here, today.

Shafien said the cooperation of all relevant quarters, including local residents, is needed to tackle issues at the border.

"Local residents at the border are our strategic partners. How are we to carry out our duty if they do not channel information and assist the authorities?

"We know some residents find it difficult to give their cooperation because they or their relatives are involved (in illegal activities). So, join the authorities in this so that all problems at the border can be tackled," he said.

Shafien said another problem is police involvement in covering up criminal activities on the border.

"I warn those personnel without integrity that stringent action will be taken against them if they are caught.

"Such actions give a negative perception of the security force. I urge the public to channel information, personally to me, if they are aware of the existence of such activities."

Shafien said the number of enforcement personnel is also inadequate to man the four districts in Kelantan on the border with Thailand.

He said boosting manpower there will be discussed at the highest level in Bukit Aman soon.

"Our border is so porous and I believe it is time for us to study other methods other than the enforcement we are now carrying out." – Bernama, November 28, 2020