KOTA BARU: Kelantan police have confirmed receiving preliminary information about counter setting activities at the Malaysia-Thailand border and have issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against those involved, including security personnel.
State police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat expressed concern over such activities, which could potentially circumvent security measures in high-tech locations such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), not to mention the more porous and vulnerable border areas.
"I am concerned that even at KLIA, with its stringent CCTV surveillance, counter setting activities can still occur. The situation is even more alarming along the open and extensive stretch of Sungai Golok," he said.
"I have the relevant information (on counter setting at the border) and am simply waiting for the right time to act. I am issuing a clear warning to those involved, and I will not hesitate to make arrests, regardless of whether the individuals are from the General Operations Force (PGA) or other personnel," he told Bernama during a recent interview at the police headquarters here.
Mohd Yusoff labelled those involved in counter setting as traitors to the nation, emphasising that they are under close surveillance
"When I say that I have information, it means we have solid leads. Insya-Allah, arrests will be made," he said.
On July 24, Bernama reported that an enforcement officer was arrested at KLIA, Terminal 1, for suspected involvement in counter setting, a scheme in which immigration officers collaborate with syndicates to facilitate the illegal entry of foreign nationals without proper documentation.
The Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) later confirmed that the officer was apprehended by the AKPS Monitoring and Integrity Unit after CCTV footage revealed suspicious behaviour at the immigration checkpoint.
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Mohd Yusoff also noted that since the enforcement of the ban on illegal crossings along unregistered routes by the Sungai Golok river, security in the area has remained stable, with continuous monitoring by the Special Branch.
He added that this measure has proven effective, with illegal border crossings by Malaysians into Thailand dropping by nearly 90 per cent compared to earlier enforcement periods.
"Reports from my counterparts in southern Thailand show a significant reduction in border activity, including a decrease of about 85 per cent in the number of entertainment venues in Sungai Golok, with many businesses in the area also shutting down," he said.
On Dec 1 last year, Kelantan police enforced the ban on illegal crossings at unregistered points along the Sungai Golok river in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas.
Malaysians attempting to enter Thailand using these unregistered routes can be arrested and investigated under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963.
"Since the announcement of the ban on illegal border crossings, we have seen a significant reduction in illegal entries into Thailand. This measure has also contributed to a decline in criminal activities, such as drug smuggling and human trafficking," Mohd Yusoff added.
He also highlighted that, as a result of these efforts, the police had seized contraband valued at RM275,455,058 from 1,335 cases between January and September this year.
During the same period, 62 cross-border crime cases under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 were recorded, with 104 individuals arrested for attempting to enter Thailand illegally. - Bernama
