Kelantan Govt ready to discuss on fencing up Malaysia-Thai border

The Kelantan PAS government is ready to talk with the federal government about building a wall or fence along the Malaysia-Thailand border from Tumpat to Jeli.

Deputy Menteri Besar, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said cross-border crimes involving drug, firearm and people smuggling – serious offences that happen especially in Rantau Panjang – could be curbed if the border was fenced up.

He said the state government agreed with the statement made by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on the seriousness of the cross-border crimes along Rantau Panjang.

"We are well aware that our border with Thailand is lax. The border is long and although there is security, the area is too exposed and highly prone to trespassing.

"This is a serious matter and besides the need to beef up security control, a fortification also has to be built. The issue of land can be discussed. The state government has no problem cooperating as this is a matter of national security," Mohd Amar said today.

At an event in Rantau Panjang last Friday, Ahmad Zahid had said that the Malaysia-Thailand border in Rantau Panjang was vulnerable to cross-border smuggling of firearms and drugs, including ketamine, leading Kelantan to record the highest number of ketamine distribution and abuse cases in the country.

The federal government had previously voiced their intention to fortify the border, but efforts had been delayed due to high cost.

However, Mohd Amar said although the state government welcomed the idea to fence up the border, it should not hinder the trade activities between the two countries as there were many traders in Rantau Panjang who are Muslims from Thailand and have family ties with Rantau Panjang residents.