Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Malaysia bolsters border security in Kelantan with 24-hour patrols, jetty removals
Malaysian authorities are intensifying efforts to combat cross-border crime in Kelantan through continuous surveillance and infrastructure removal. The initiative targets illegal entry points along the porous border region.
LSN Malaysia ·
MACHANG — Police forces have deployed round-the-clock surveillance across all border routes in Kelantan as part of a comprehensive strategy to curb cross-border criminal activities, according to the Home Ministry.
The security operation includes the removal of unauthorised jetties and landing points that have historically facilitated illegal border crossings and smuggling operations. Authorities identified these makeshift access points as key vulnerabilities enabling contraband trafficking and undocumented movement between Malaysia and neighbouring countries.
The initiative reflects growing concerns among law enforcement agencies about organised crime networks exploiting the state's extensive waterway system and remote border areas. Officials emphasise that the combination of persistent monitoring and infrastructure dismantling aims to restrict illegal passage while maintaining legitimate cross-border commerce.
The operation represents an escalation of security measures in Kelantan, which has long presented challenges for border control authorities. Enhanced coordination between police units and other security agencies is expected to improve detection and prevention capabilities along the frontier.
The Home Ministry indicated that the measures would remain in place indefinitely to maintain security and protect the integrity of Malaysia's international borders in the eastern region.
Photo: The Golok River, which forms the Malaysia-Thailand border, seen from Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, January 2025. Slleong via Wikimedia Commons (CC0).