KOTA BHARU: A total of 212 illegal jetties along Sungai Golok, the common border between Malaysia and Thailand, have been identified for demolition in a joint operation by local authorities and security agencies.
Southeast Brigade General Operations Force commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the move was the result of a special committee meeting at the Kelantan Land and Mines Office aimed at curbing smuggling activities and ensuring stronger border control.
He said the four districts involved are Pasir Mas, Tumpat, Tanah Merah and Jeli.
"Each district will form a special team led by the District Office and comprising various parties, including the Land and Mines Office, local authorities, General Operations Force, Border Control Agency and the National Security Council.
"Illegal structures identified on government land and privately-owned land will be demolished in stages. Before demolition, land status verification will be carried out, while notices will be issued by the district land office concerned," he told reporters after the meeting here Monday (Aug 18).
Elaborating further, Nik Ros Azhan said the first phase of the demolition would involve jetties built on government-owned land.
He said the operation involved 128 jetties within the Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan area under the General Operations Force, and 84 jetties under the Malaysian Armed Forces through Op Merpati.
"The General Operations Force will provide full assistance to Land and Mines Office, particularly on security aspects, to ensure the demolition proceeds smoothly. The committee's target is to complete the work before the monsoon season," he said. – Bernama
