Malaysia Strengthens Cooperation With Thailand To Combat Drug Syndicates

TAIPING, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is strengthening its cooperation with Thailand to intensify efforts against drug syndicates, following reports of lower drug prices in Sungai Golok, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

This includes closer intelligence sharing, joint operations, and capacity building initiatives.

“The report from Thailand has been duly noted. On our end, we have tightened border controls, resulting in the closure of 212 illegal bases.

“We've also increased our personnel, deploying additional General Operation Force (PGA) units to the region. Additionally, we have enhanced the enforcement of the Immigration Act, particularly concerning illegal border crossings without valid documentation,” he told reporters after launching the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) MADANI Adopted Village programme here today.

Earlier, Bernama reported that the significantly lower drug prices in Sungai Golok had turned the border town into a hotspot for drug users, including Malaysians, especially from Kelantan. As a result, Thai authorities have stepped up operations to address the rising drug syndicates in the area.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin acknowledged that while there have been successes in the form of arrests and drug seizures, the drug smuggling activities at the border remain dynamic and constantly shifting.

“We’ve had success in controlling certain points of entry and illegal supply routes, but the activities shift. When we tighten the border on the Kelantan side, smuggling routes move to Kedah, leading to an increase in arrests.

“This is a fluid situation—when we clamp down on one area, the syndicates move to another,” he added.

He assured that security forces will remain vigilant and committed, with no tolerance for immoral activities.

Saifuddin added that ongoing intelligence operations are focusing on individuals in Kelantan who disguise their involvement in drug trafficking through luxurious lifestyles. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat drug smuggling.

-- BERNAMA