14/10/2025

TUESDAY | OCT 14, 2025

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‘Thai border wall strategic necessity’

o Barrier would function as security control and flood

in Kelantan, the construction of a security wall remains the most comprehensive solution to address border smuggling, noting that developed countries, such as the United States and Mexico, have adopted similar measures for more effective border control. He added that during the monsoon season, smugglers find it easier to cross the border as rising waters from Sungai Golok often submerge the boundary line, allowing them to enter Malaysian territory by boat, sometimes reaching as far as Pasir Mas and Meranti. “When the river overflows, the border line disappears and smugglers from Thailand take advantage of the situation,” he said. Mohd Yusoff also said floods complicate police operations as some border control posts become inundated, restricting patrols to boat operations, and these efforts are often stretched as personnel are also needed to assist flood evacuees. During the dry season, the low water level in Sungai Golok allows smugglers to easily cross the border on foot within minutes, Bernama reported. He said the proposed wall would enhance safety for police and enforcement agencies, including the General Operations Force, particularly during floods when patrols are limited. “This is not just about security, but also about safeguarding national sovereignty. The wall is a long-term investment for the future,” he said. In November last year, Bernama reported that the Thai government welcomed the Kelantan government’s proposal to the federal government for the construction of a security and flood-control wall along the Sungai Golok–Rantau Panjang border. Narathiwat Governor Trakul Thotham was quoted as saying such a structure would be an important step in addressing cross-border crime.

mitigation structure: Kelantan police chief

KOTA BHARU: The proposed construction of a security wall along Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang is no longer an option but a strategic necessity to address smuggling, mitigate flood risks and safeguard national sovereignty along the Kelantan-Thailand border, said Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat. He said the narrow and shallow terrain of Sungai Golok makes it difficult to maintain effective security control through conventional means, even with the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones or CCTV surveillance. “Sungai Golok is very narrow. Even with advanced technology, maintaining control remains difficult as it only takes minutes for someone to cross over to Thailand. “That is why I would like to propose to the government to expedite the construction of a security wall or fence along the river buffer zone,” he told Bernama at the state police headquarters recently. He said the proposal would not only strengthen border control, but could also serve a dual purpose, functioning as a security barrier and a flood mitigation structure to prevent the frequent overflow of river water affecting the border areas. He added that of the 163km Kelantan-Thailand border, about 91km comprise river boundaries while the rest are on land, so the installation of a security wall or fence could be implemented according to the

Mohd Yusoff said floods complicate police operations as some border control posts become inundated, restricting patrols to boat operations. – BERNAMAPIC

and I hope it could be implemented soon as it remains the most effective solution,” he said. He also stressed that surveillance through drones, cameras and automated monitoring systems alone is insufficient as these technologies still require continuous human supervision. “Drones still require manual operation while CCTV only records incidents without immediate response,” he added. He said based on his year-long observation

suitability of each area. Mohd Yusoff noted that the border terrain in Kelantan is far more challenging compared with other border states, such as Perlis or Kedah, as the distance between the two countries in certain areas, particularly in Tanah Merah and Jeli, is only a few metres apart. “As Sungai Golok is narrow and shallow, it provides easy access for livestock and contraband smuggling. The proposal to build a security wall has been discussed for some time

Bidayuh longhouse destroyed in fire to be rebuilt swiftly KUCHING: The Bidayuh Longhouse at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) that was destroyed in a fire on Sunday would be rebuilt as soon as possible ahead of the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026. and later expanded to accommodate more visitors, has been one of the village’s main attractions since its opening in 1990. carried out with support from the state museum and the Bidayuh community to restore artefacts and preserve cultural heritage.

“All other cultural houses and facilities within the Sarawak Cultural Village remain intact and unaffected,” it said in a statement. The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said the blaze, which broke out at 7.30pm, destroyed the 1,130 sq m structure. The cause is under investigation. – Bernama

SCV said the village would remain open to visitors but access would be temporarily restricted around the affected area to ensure safety and facilitate investigation and recovery work.

“The house was unoccupied during the incident and served as storage for valuable Bidayuh artefacts,” he said. He added that the reconstruction would be

SCV Sales, Marketing and Events director Zaini Zainuddin said the longhouse, built in 2007