KOTA BARU: Kelantan police confirmed receiving 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 Comm Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat expressed concern over such activities, which could circumvent security measures.
“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.
“I have information on counter setting at the border and am 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 or other enforcement agencies,” he said at the state police headquarters here, Bernama reported.
Comm Mohd Yusoff labelled those involved in counter setting as traitors to the nation, emphasising that they are under close surveillance.
“When I say I have information, it means we have solid leads,” 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 later confirmed that the officer was apprehended by its Monitoring and Integrity Unit after CCTV footage revealed suspicious behaviour at the immigration checkpoint.
Comm Mohd Yusoff also noted that since the enforcement of the ban on illegal crossings along unregistered routes by Sungai Golok, security in the area has remained stable, with continuous monitoring by the Special Branch.
He said the measure has proven effective, with illegal border crossings by Malaysians into Thailand dropping by nearly 90% compared with previous enforcement periods.
“Reports from my counterparts in southern Thailand show a significant reduction in border activity, including an estimated 85% decrease 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 Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas.
Malaysians attempting to enter Thailand using these routes can be arrested and investigated under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963.
“Since the announcement of the ban, 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,” Comm Mohd Yusoff added.
He said that as a result of these efforts, police had seized contraband worth 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 1959/1963 were recorded, with 104 individuals arrested for attempting to enter Thailand illegally.
