KOTA BARU: The proposed construction of a security wall along Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang is no longer an option but a strategic necessity to curb smuggling, mitigate flood risks and safeguard the country’s sovereignty along the Malaysia-Thailand border, says the Kelantan police chief.
Comm Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the narrow and shallow geographical features of Sungai Golok made it difficult to maintain effective security control with conventional means – even with the assistance of artificial intelligence, drones or CCTVs.
“As Sungai Golok is narrow and shallow, it provides easy access for livestock and contraband smuggling. Even with advanced technology, maintaining control remains difficult as it only takes minutes for someone to cross over to Thailand,” Comm Mohd Yusoff told Bernama at the state contingent police headquarters recently.
He explained that 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.
During the dry season, he said, the low water level in Sungai Golok allows smugglers to easily cross the border on foot within minutes.
“The proposal to build a security wall has been discussed for some time, and I hope it can be implemented soon as it is the most effective solution,” he added.
Comm Mohd Yusoff said the move would not only strengthen border control but also serve a dual purpose – functioning as a security barrier and a flood mitigation structure to prevent the frequent overflow of river water affecting the border areas.
“Of the 163km Kelantan-Thailand border, about 91km consist 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 said.
“This is not just about security but also about safeguarding national sovereignty. The wall is a long-term investment.”
In November last year, Bernama reported that the Thai government had welcomed the Kelantan government’s proposal to the Federal Government for the construction of a security and flood control wall along the Sungai Golok-Rantau Panjang border.
