FIVE minutes. That is how long it takes for an illegal immigrant to enter the country via boat at the Malaysia-Thailand border of Sungai Golok, Sinar Harian reported.
Checks by the Malay daily found that foreigners could easily go through the border, with more than 140 illegal drop-off points along the river.
The existence of illegal settlements has also made it easier for such movement.
The Malay daily also found that immigrants were charged as low as RM3 per person to enter or exit the country via the illegal drop-off points.
According to a “guard” stationed at one illegal drop-off point, the number of people crossing would increase during weekends and holidays.
“There will be a lot of people heading there (Thailand), about 50 people at a time. So, we can get about RM150 or more.
“If anyone who wants to send some items, we will charge more,” he said.
The Immigration Department has identified several entry hotspots used by illegal immigrants at the state border.
Its intelligence and special operations director Basri Othman revealed that there are about 50 land hotspots used by illegal immigrants including at Rantau Panjang, Tanjung Bunga and Pengkalan Kubor.
> It was a marriage proposal to remember for actress Afifah Nasir, who was proposed to on a private light aircraft, Kosmo! reported.
The 31-year-old shared that she said yes to Syed Hariz on Saturday.
Her sister Anzalna shared this and several photos of her youngest sister’s engagement ceremony on her Instagram account.
“Congratulations Hariz and Afifah. Truly amazing decor and landscape.
“I managed to spend some light moments at the bridal dais with our cousins,” said Anzalna, who also revealed that the engagement and exchange of rings ceremony was conducted at her family’s home in Hulu Klang, Selangor.
“The engagement ceremony only involved close family members. It was a moderate affair, but full of excitement and was meaningful.
“As her sister, I am happy that my beloved sister has found her ‘Prince Charming’ and is just one step away from getting married.
“I cannot be sharing all the details of how the two of them met each other or their love story. It is best that you ask them yourself,” she said.
Anzalna said her whole family welcomes Syed Hariz and that he is a gentleman.
“The most important thing is that they love one another. Afifah is happy and this is enough for us,” she added.
