Rohingya Influx Poses Border Security Challenge, Says Narathiwat Official 

NARATHIWAT, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- The Rohingya refugee crisis, involving those fleeing Myanmar through Thailand and making Malaysia their main destination, has become a major challenge to security control efforts along the Malaysia-Thailand border.

Vice Governor of Narathiwat Province, Wichan Chaisetsumpan said a large number of Rohingya refugees chose Malaysia as they viewed it as a safer Muslim destination with better job opportunities.

“However, the increasing influx of these groups without valid documents poses security risks and raises concerns over human trafficking activities along the border.

“In addition to refugees, unofficial routes along the Sungai Golok are also used for the transfer of illegal labour, as well as the smuggling of drugs and import export goods that bypass customs procedures,” he told Malaysian media through a local interpreter during a special interview session recently.

 Following the situation, Wichan said the Malaysian government had tightened border control laws by putting up warning signs and imposing strict penalties on those who violate regulations.

“I am also aware that Malaysia has recently approved an allocation for the construction of a barrier wall along the Sungai Golok to curb illegal crossings,” he said.

He added that it was a positive step towards strengthening joint security efforts.

“On the Thai side, the Narathiwat provincial administration is conducting awareness campaigns among local residents on the legal implications of illegal entry, while encouraging the use of authorised border crossing routes.

“In addition, the Thai government has introduced a registry for fishing boat ownership along the Sungai Golok to prevent the misuse of boats to ferry illegal migrants into Malaysia,” he said.

Wichan noted that these measures reflect the commitment of both countries to jointly addressing regional humanitarian and security issues.

On Oct 21, Bernama reported that the Malaysian government had approved an allocation of RM1.5 billion for the construction of a security wall along the Malaysia-Thailand border in Kelantan.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat was reported as saying that the matter had been conveyed by the National Security Council recently.

He said the security wall would be built along the border stretching from Tumpat to Tanah Merah.

-- BERNAMA