Border crossing ban cripples illegal jetties in Rantau Panjang


PASIR MAS: The authorities’ strict action in shutting down illegal crossings at the Malaysia-Thailand border in Rantau Panjang here has forced operators of illegal jetties to move their operations to the neighbouring country.

General Operations Force (GOF) South-East Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the closure, enforced on Dec 1, reflected the growing compliance of border-area communities with the ban on unauthorised crossings.

"Checks found that six illegal bases around Rantau Panjang, including two in the town centre, are now deserted following the enforcement of the ban,” he said here on Thursday (Jan 23).

However, he said some individuals still attempt to cross into Malaysia through illegal routes.

"As a result of the GOF surveillance today (Thursday), we detained a 67-year-old Thai national at noon after he crossed the border via an illegal jetty.

"He claimed that his name had been blacklisted by the Malaysian authorities,” Nik Ros Azhan said after inspecting the border area.

Meanwhile, checks found that the closure of the routes also affected economic activities in the area around the illegal jetties.

Several stalls that were previously active are no longer in operation, and the area appears quieter. – Bernama

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