PASIR MAS: The General Operations Force (GOF) has placed warning notices at several illegal crossings along the Malaysia-Thailand border, particularly at Sungai Golok, to remind the public not to cross the river using unapproved routes.
South-East Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the signs have also been installed in Kampung Jitong in Pasir Mas and Kuala Tanjong in Tumpat.
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He said they listed prohibitions related to crossing the border through non-gazetted entry points, an offence under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Under this section, an individual can be arrested and fined a maximum of RM10,000 or imprisoned for up to five years, or both, if convicted.
"We do not want the public to cross Sungai Golok using illegal bases because this will give opportunities for cross-border criminals to enter and exit freely," he said when contacted here Wednesday (Nov 20).
He said those who wish to go to Golok town are advised to use the official route at the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) centre.
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A check in Rantau Panjang town here found GOF warning signs on the banks of Sungai Golok near the MCA and Syed Agil bases.
The illegal crossings where the signs were put up are often used by the public to cross into Thailand as it saves time compared to going through the ICQS.
On Monday (Nov 19), Kelantan police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said police will begin detaining Malaysians who enter Thailand via non-gazetted routes from Dec 1. – Bernama
