KANGAR: Six routes along the Malaysia-Thailand border are believed to be human trafficking and goods smuggling rat trails.
Kampung Syed Omar village development and security committee chairman Nor Mahizan Kasim said syndicates had been using the routes for more than 10 years.
"The border routes were initially used by local residents from both sides to strengthen ties with each other.
"But syndicate agents took advantage and misused the routes," he told Bernama here Saturday.
Among the identified shortcuts were Felcra Lubuk Sireh, Felda Mata Ayer, Ladang Tebu Chuping, Wang Kelian and Kampung Syed Omar/Kampung Puju, and Bukit Batu Putih.
"Admittedly there is lack of security control at the border but it is not due to weakness of the authorities. Flexibility was given because of the close ties between the people of both countries.
"Aside from that, local and Thai residents are also involved in bilateral trading," Nor Mahizan said. - Bernama
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