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KOTA BARU: The proposed security wall to be built along Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang is no longer an option but a strategic necessity to curb smuggling activities, says Kelantan police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat (pic).
He added that it would also mitigate flood risks and safeguard the country’s sovereignty along the Kelantan-Thailand border.
He said the narrow and shallow geographical features of Sungai Golok make it difficult to maintain effective security control through conventional means, even with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), drones, or closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance.
"Even with advanced technology, maintaining control remains difficult as it only takes minutes for someone to cross over to Thailand.
"That is why I would like to propose to the government to expedite the construction of the security wall or fence along the river buffer zone,” he said when met at state police contingent headquarters recently.
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He said the proposal would not only strengthen border control but could also serve a dual as both a security barrier and a flood mitigation structure to prevent the frequent overflow of river water affecting the border areas.
He added that of the 163km Kelantan-Thailand border, 91km consists of river boundaries, while the remainder is on land.
Therefore, the installation of a security wall or fence could be implemented according to the suitability of each area.
He noted that the border terrain in Kelantan is far more challenging than in other border states such as Perlis or Kedah, as the distance from Thailand in certain areas, particularly in Tanah Merah and Jeli, is only a few metres.
"As Sungai Golok is narrow and shallow, it provides easy access for livestock and contraband smuggling.
"The proposal to build a security wall has been discussed for some time, and I hope it can be implemented soon as it remains the most effective solution,” he said.
He also stressed that surveillance through drones, cameras and automated monitoring systems alone is insufficient, as these technologies still require continuous human supervision.
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Drones still require human operation while CCTV only records incidents without immediate response, he noted.
Based on his year-long observation in Kelantan, he said the construction of a security wall remains the most comprehensive solution to curb border smuggling, noting that developed countries such as the United States and Mexico have adopted similar measures for more effective border control.
During the monsoon season, smugglers find it easier to cross the border as rising waters from Sungai Golok often submerge the boundary line, allowing them to enter Malaysian territory by boat, sometimes reaching as far as Pasir Mas and Meranti, he said.
"When the river overflows, the borderline disappears, and smugglers from Thailand take advantage of the situation," Comm Yusoff said.
He added that floods also complicate police operations, as some border control posts and stations become inundated, limiting patrols to boat operations.
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However, these efforts are further constrained as personnel are also required to assist flood victims.
During the dry season, the low water level in Sungai Golok allows smugglers to easily cross the border on foot within minutes, Comm Yusoff added.
He said the proposed security wall would enhance safety for police and other enforcement agencies, including the General Operations Force, particularly during floods when boat patrols are limited.
"This is not just about security but also about safeguarding national sovereignty. The wall is a long-term investment for the future,” he said.
In November, it was reported that the Thai government had welcomed the Kelantan government’s proposal to Putrajaya for the construction of a security and flood control wall along the Sungai Golok-Rantau Panjang border.
Narathiwat Governor Trakul Thotm was quoted as saying that such a structure would be an important step in tackling cross-border crime. – Bernama
