PASIR MAS: All 223 illegal jetties along Sungai Golok, a known smuggling route on the Malaysia-Thailand border, are expected to be completely demolished within the next two months through a pilot project that began on Tuesday (Oct 28).
This comes as part of comprehensive reforms to strengthen security controls along the border, particularly in Kelantan.
Of the total, 216 jetties were constructed illegally on government land, while seven others are privately owned.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the first two locations involved in the initial phase of demolition were Pangkalan Gergaji and Pangkalan MCA in Rantau Panjang, which consist of illegal jetties built on government land.
"The demolition work will be carried out in stages due to limited machinery.
"We will proceed based on available resources...once one location is completed, we will move on to the next until all illegal jetties are removed,” he told reporters after inspecting the pilot demolition operation in Rantau Panjang.
Mohd Yusoff said enforcement action would be taken against the seven jetties built on private land after a review and necessary legal processes are completed by local authorities.
The operation, he said, was the result of nearly a year of planning, which included engagement sessions with local communities along Sungai Golok to explain the purpose of the demolition.
"Alhamdulillah, after being informed, the local community understands the government’s intention to curb cross-border crimes, including the smuggling of drugs, firearms, fuel, and other controlled goods into neighbouring countries,” he said.
Mohd Yusoff said the demolition operations would be jointly monitored by the police and the State National Security Council, as well as other relevant agencies, to ensure safety and smooth progress at the sites.
"I hope all parties will cooperate, as this initiative is aimed at ensuring the well-being, peace and security of communities living along the border,” he said. – Bernama
