NARATHIWAT: Thai police have voiced strong support for the Malaysian government’s proposal to construct a security wall along the Thailand-Malaysia border, particularly in Kelantan, describing it as one of the most effective measures to curb cross-border crime.
Narathiwat province police chief Maj Gen Prayong Kotsakha said the construction of the wall would help curb various smuggling activities and illegal movements, which frequently occur along the shared border.
"The Thai police, particularly in Narathiwat province, fully support the construction of the security wall, as it would benefit both countries in terms of security and the well-being of the people.
"This initiative can help curb the smuggling of weapons, drugs and controlled goods, which often occurs along the border,” he told Malaysian media, through a local interpreter, recently.
He added that the wall would also enhance the authorities’ ability to detect and prevent illegal border crossings, compared with the current situation.
Commenting on the sensitivities of the local community, Prayong acknowledged that some residents on both sides of the border may react differently to the construction of the wall, given the close kinship ties many share.
"We want border residents to respect the law and use the proper routes when travelling between the two countries.
"We are aware that the Malaysian police, especially in Kelantan, are highly committed to strengthening security by shutting down illegal crossing points, previously used by residents,” he said.
He said that it was possible that the route had been used by criminals from either Thailand or Malaysia.
He added that operational cooperation between the police forces of both countries would continue to be strengthened through regular joint meetings, while ensuring that the construction and management of the wall would not disrupt the good relations within the local community.
On Oct 21, Bernama reported that the government had approved an allocation of RM1.5bil for the construction of a security wall along the Malaysia-Thailand border in Kelantan.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat was quoted as saying that the wall would be built from Tumpat to Tanah Merah.- Bernama
