KUALA LUMPUR: Vehicles belonging to Malaysians that were damaged during the recent floods in Hat Yai, Thailand, will undergo a special inspection by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) when they are brought back through the Bukit Kayu Hitam Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) complex.
The move is aimed at preventing smuggling syndicates from taking advantage of the situation to smuggle drugs, contraband or other prohibited items into the country.
Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS commander Senior Asst Comm Mohd Nasaruddin M.Nasir said only vehicles that successfully pass the agency’s checks will be allowed to exit the CIQS complex.
"Each vehicle will receive an inspection confirmation document signed by the on-duty AKPS officer or supervisor.
“We are aware that trafficking attempts tend to rise during the monsoon season, especially at key border entry points. As such, we will conduct thorough and detailed checks to ensure any attempt to smuggle illegal items is detected and stopped," he said when contacted on Sunday (Nov 30).
SAC Mohd Nasaruddin said authorities do not rule out the possibility that syndicates might try to hide drugs, firearms or contraband inside Malaysian-owned vehicles that are being towed back to the country.
Currently, the Malaysia-Thailand Border Coordination Office (MTBCO) is coordinating the movement of 15 towing vehicles tasked with transporting nearly 1,000 Malaysian cars stranded in Hat Yai after severe flooding hit the area.
Following discussions between the Malaysian Consulate-General in Songkhla and Bukit Kayu Hitam AKPS, both parties agreed to set up a designated gathering point for the towing operation.
An area along the new CIQ Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam route has been identified, as Thai authorities do not permit group activities within the CIQ Sadao compound.
The designated location will also allow AKPS teams to conduct on-site special inspections before the vehicles enter Malaysia, ensuring no party exploits the situation to smuggle illicit goods.
“A coordination meeting involving all relevant agencies will be held soon to ensure smooth operations and safeguard both the public and national assets,” SAC Mohd Nasaruddin added.
The agencies involved include the police, National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), Customs department and Road Transport Department (JPJ).
