KUALA LUMPUR: The General Operations Force (GOF) has increased personnel, intelligence operations and assets along the Malaysia-Thailand border following the latest unrest in southern Thailand.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the deployment covers border areas from Perlis to Kelantan, with particular focus on Kelantan.
He said the increased security measures were necessary following bombings in areas along the Thailand-Kelantan border.
"We have increased the strength of our personnel and assets along the border.
"We are giving particular attention to Kelantan because the bombings occurred in areas in southern Thailand bordering the state.
"We have also increased our personnel and assets in areas identified as being at risk of intrusion or the smuggling of prohibited items," he told reporters at Bukit Aman on Thursday (Aug 27).
Comm Mohd Yusri was responding to questions on security measures following renewed unrest and concerns over the possible movement of individuals linked to the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) into Malaysia.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail previously said that Thai police and military authorities were seeking Malaysia's assistance to track down agents or individuals linked to the BRN, who were believed to have crossed the border.
However, Comm Mohd Yusri said he could not disclose intelligence on specific individuals or information exchanged between Malaysian and Thai authorities.
Asked if GOF intelligence units were among those deployed on the ground, he confirmed that they were.
"We have our own intelligence units from the GOF to carry out duties within our jurisdiction.
"We will cooperate with other departments and agencies, including the Armed Forces," he said.
Comm Mohd Yusri added that the security situation along the Malaysia-Thailand border remained under control following his visit to the northern border areas.
The enhanced deployment comes after Khalid said Thai authorities believed BRN-linked agents may have entered Malaysia following the latest attacks in southern Thailand.
Malaysian police have also received information, including wanted lists, from their Thai counterparts and are assessing whether developments across the border pose any security threat to Malaysia, particularly Kelantan.
