Grim situation: The scene of the bomb explosion in Sungai Golok, south Thailand. — Photo courtesy of Facebook
KOTA BARU: The police have tightened security along the Malaysia-Thailand border following a recent bomb explosion in Sungai Golok, southern Thailand.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the police are closely monitoring developments in Narathiwat province and have immediately enforced strict security measures until the situation is deemed safe.
He said General Operations Force (GOF) personnel stationed at the border have been instructed to heighten their readiness level and strengthen security at GOF posts and along Sungai Golok to prevent any unwanted elements from entering Malaysia.
“In addition, the Strike Force Company and Battalion Intelligence teams have been ordered to intensify patrols at illegal crossing points and ‘hotspots’ along Sungai Golok,” he told Bernama.
Razarudin said Malaysian police are conducting round-the-clock security monitoring at police posts as an additional precaution.
According to him, the bomb explosion occurred in front of the Sungai Golok stadium at around 6.25pm on Saturday, shortly after the breaking of fast.
“As of now, the number of those killed and injured in the incident has yet to be confirmed,” he said.
Malaysians have been advised to postpone any travel to southern Thailand following the incident.
On Saturday, Kelantan police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat confirmed that no Malaysians were among the casualties of the shooting and bomb explosion in Sungai Golok.
Thai police earlier said that an explosion occurred at a security checkpoint outside the Sungai Golok district office at Jalan Sungai Golok-Sungai Padi, followed by gunfire from a group of attackers.
The attackers killed at least two Thai security personnel and injured eight others.
The assailants were reported to have fired several shots before throwing five hand grenades at the security checkpoint in front of the Sungai Golok district office.
Security forces are conducting checks at the scene and the public have been advised to avoid the routes.
Since the start of Ramadan, authorities in Sungai Golok have heightened security measures following an increased risk of attacks in the border region.
Meanwhile, Wisma Putra, through the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla, said that it was closely monitoring the situation in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat following recent security incidents.
“In light of these developments, Malaysians travelling to or residing in these provinces are advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant. The Ministry also recommends postponing all non-essential visits to the provinces for the time being.
“As a precautionary measure, Malaysians currently in these provinces are urged to register theirpresence with the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla,” said the Foreign Ministry in a separate statement.
Malaysians can contact the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla, at No. 4, Sukhum Road
Muang District Songkhla Province Thailand. They are also reachable via phone at : +6674 311 062 / +6674 316 274 or +6693 657 0707 (for emergencies only). Alternatively, they can also be reached via email at mwsongkhla@kln.gov.my.
