Rantau Panjang Residents Urge Gov't To Act On Border Security Wall Proposal

PASIR MAS, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- Rantau Panjang residents are urging the government to adopt Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat's proposal for the construction of a border wall to counter the escalating dual threats of flooding and security breaches. 

This ‘two-in-one’ wall is hoped to serve not only as a border bulwark but also to mitigate the torrential overflow from Sungai Golok, which inundates homes and businesses every rainy season. 

Residents are forced to stockpile food and face severe difficulties if the authorities are unable to access the flooded areas.

Given this dire situation, residents are emphasising the critical importance of implementing the security wall project as an immediate measure to protect lives, property, and the well-being of the border community.

According to Jasmin Hassan, a 65-year-old labourer, a sturdy security wall is the only solution to the persistent threats of flooding and insecure borders.

“I have already stored food in case the Social Welfare Department cannot reach us. Without the security wall, the problems here will never be resolved,” he told Bernama recently in Kampung Lubok Jong, Rantau Panjang.

He explained that the situation becomes far more challenging when the Sungai Golok currents are strong, causing water levels to rise as high as the first floor of houses.

Another resident, Wan Faizal Che Rajiun, in his 50s, said the construction of a border wall is the most effective measure to both assist the authorities in their duties and hinder criminals from smuggling contraband.

He said that illegal entry by foreigners persists despite frequent arrests, and that a wall would help reduce crime from across the border, including robberies, which jeopardise the security of locals.

A food vendor, Ahmad Tarmizi Mustapha, also in his 40s, expressed that he would be immensely grateful if the government were to implement the border wall project.

He said even though it is currently just a proposal from the Kelantan police chief to the state government, the neighbouring country has already built one.

-- BERNAMA