KOTA BARU: The 29 primary and secondary school students aged 10 and above who were arrested for illegally crossing the border at Rantau Panjang can be charged in court, says Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat.
However, he said legal action would be up to prosecutors as police only investigate and make arrests
"They have been released on police bail after their statements were taken and investigation papers will be handed to the prosecution for further action.
"Even though this may appear stern as it involves students, we cannot compromise when it comes to national security," he told the media after the Kelantan police headquarters monthly gathering here on Tuesday (April 14).
He said strict enforcement is needed as there were cases students used as drug mules.
He said authorities had done their best to facilitate students' crossings through legal routes, including preparing various facilities, including dormitories and opening the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complexes early.
Investigations also revealed that illegal border crossings were popular due to the lower costs involved in boat crossings, about RM4 compared to RM10 through legal routes, he added. — Bernama
