KOTA BARU: Illegal migrants entering Kelantan are now more frequently using sea routes from Tak Bai, Thailand, rather than the Sungai Golok border, Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat (pic) said.
He said the shift had not affected security controls along the land border, which remain jointly enforced by the General Operations Force, Malaysian Armed Forces and other relevant agencies.
"So far, when we arrest migrants, they are not coming through the Thai border there, but entering by sea. Many are coming through routes from Tak Bai and using the Kelantan River.
"Police are now increasing surveillance of these sea routes, while working with the Thai authorities to curb the activities of groups believed to be involved in bringing migrants into the country,” he told reporters after the September 2026 Monthly Assembly at the Kelantan Police Contingent Headquarters here Tuesday (Sept 22).
Mohd Yusoff said police had also shared information with the Thai authorities on groups identified as being active in the Tak Bai area for further action.
He said surveillance was also being conducted at certain areas that previously had access through riverbanks, including locations without jetty structures but where existing routes were being used.
Meanwhile, Mohd Yusoff said 96 illegal jetties had been demolished to strengthen border controls, while action would be taken against any newly built structures found to compromise security.
On another matter, he advised members of the public not to take matters into their own hands against Myanmar refugees or migrants suspected of committing offences, but instead to channel information to the authorities.
He said taking such action could trigger fights or other untoward incidents, while also complicating enforcement efforts.
"We are still capable of dealing with any crime as well as this border issue. So report it to us and let the authorities take action,” he said. - Bernama
