Malaysia-Thailand border needs new fencing to enhance security

New fencing at the Perlis-Thailand border should be planned and built fast to bolster protection of the country's security and sovereignty, said the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.

He said the building of the fence should take into consideration the current security situation and the need to enhance security maintenance capability by using technology such as CCTV cameras, and night vision and motion sensors.

"Mainstream change has created the need to implement sustainable development and the country's international border security so as to be in tandem with its economic development and the concept of no compromise on security.

"Budget constraint and manpower shortage should not be an excuse as hampering the building of fencing with sophisticated technology which can boost the security level and efficiency of the security agencies."

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin, who is also commander of Regiment 504 of the Territorial Army based at Bukit Ketri Camp, here, said this after going on a motorcycle ride to view the border fencing from Padang Besar to Bukit Kayu Hitam yesterday evening.

He was accompanied by Perlis National Security Council director, Safrul Faiz Abd Satar who also gave a briefing on security at the Perlis-Thailand border.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said members of the security forces should also emphasised on enhancing productivity and capability through continuous training and transformation, besides being equipped with the latest technology in combating cross-border crime.

"The government agencies at the border also need to increase collaboration and strategic communication, as well as integrated operations as this will be more effective and economical while enhancing integrity."

He said sharing of resources between Malaysia and Thailand had involved jointly bearing the cost of erecting the 5.3 km double fencing at Padang Besar in 2004 and that such effort should continue.

Tuanku Syed Faizuddin also viewed for himself one of the three new, bullet-proof mobile posts placed at the Op Wawasan Post, Perlis and Kedah.

Since 1976, 52 km of the border distance of 106 km from Kuala Perlis to Chuping have been fenced up while the rest of the distance is made up of hilly terrain. - BERNAMA