PASIR MAS: More than 200 unauthorised bases along the Malaysian side of Sungai Golok border have been shut down following the Home Ministry’s action to combat cross-border crimes, says minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the move was among the decisions adopted during the Committee on Strengthening National Border Control meeting he previously chaired, aimed at tightening surveillance along the 103km border.
“The closure of illegal bases and implementation of an omnipresent (comprehensive presence) approach by security forces have successfully reduced illegal border crossings.
“There are no significant numbers (of individuals crossing borders illegally). The trend has been controlled since December,” he told reporters after visiting the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex in Rantau Panjang here yesterday, Bernama reported.
According to him, security control has been strengthened with 819 personnel deployed in rotation for monitoring and raid operations in border hotspot areas.
“When we close illegal bases and conduct consistent inspections, we see drug supplies decrease slightly. But we can’t become complacent as smugglers may find alternative routes.”
Saifuddin Nasution said authorities have also detected a new trend of drug landings in Kuala Kedah and Kuala Sanglang in Perlis, believed to be syndicates’ response to tighter border controls in Kelantan.
“I was informed last week about increased drug landings in Kedah. I’m investigating if this directly results from our Kelantan border crackdown.”
He said ongoing surveillance would monitor for any rebuilt illegal bases, noting that smugglers constantly adapt their methods to evade detection.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution said drug trafficking and abuse in Kelantan have reached alarming levels, with arrest, remand and conviction data showing an upward trend since 2022.
He said briefings and observations during his working visit to the state revealed that drug-related offences remain among the most pressing security issues.
“Data indicates that the majority of drugs seized fall under the synthetic category, such as pil kuda (yaba) and other stimulant-based substances. Cannabis is also seized but in much smaller quantities.
“There has been a steady rise in drug abuse, distribution and trafficking, as reflected in the number of arrests and cases that result in convictions.”
Saifuddin Nasution also expressed concern over prison overcrowding in the state, which has been linked to drug-related convictions.
“Machang Prison is currently holding over 3,000 inmates, more than double its official capacity of 1,560, representing an excess of 104%. Of this number, 80% are drug offenders.
“Pengkalan Chepa Prison is also overcrowded with 2,977 inmates, of which 65% are drug-related offences.”
He noted that Kelantan is among the four border states, in addition to Kedah, Perlis and Terengganu, that record the highest number of drug-related cases.
The Kelantan districts with the highest cases are Jeli, Kuala Krai, Bachok, Tanah Merah and Pasir Puteh.
Saifuddin Nasution also said he has directed Kelantan police to intensify enforcement to curb drug supply and strengthen collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Agency in refining prevention strategies.
“I also stressed the importance of raising awareness within the community and schools to combat this scourge of drug abuse,” he said, adding that overall security in the state remains stable, thanks to the ongoing commitment of the security forces.
