Border residents unhappy over plan to demolish 128 illegal jetties along Sungai Golok

New Straits Times

19 hours ago

KOTA BARU: Many residents living along the Malaysia-Thailand border have expressed dissatisfaction over the authorities' plan to demolish 128 illegal jetties along Sungai Golok, from Pengkalan Kubor to Rantau Panjang.
Some of those who live along the riverbank claimed that the decision by the Kelantan police was unfair, especially to those who have relatives across the border.
A resident, who only wished to be known as Wan, said they hoped the authorities would reconsider the move.
"We understand the authorities' intention to curb smuggling activities at the border, especially drug trafficking, and we do not oppose their enforcement efforts.
"However, we are asking for some flexibility.
"For example, allowing us to cross over to the neighbouring country at certain times under strict supervision by the relevant agencies.
"Many of us have family members living across the border, and we need to visit them regularly," said the 58-year-old labourer.
Trader Mohamad Irwan said the move by the police and the state government to demolish the jetties, which were built by certain parties, was aimed primarily at controlling smuggling activities.
"But not all of these illegal jetties are used for smuggling. Some are used by residents for their daily activities," said the 39-year-old self-employed man.
A check by the New Straits Times found that several jetties previously located along the Rantau Panjang riverbank have been moved to the Thai side of the border recently.
Barriers have also been installed at the entrances to some of the illegal jetties to prevent the public from crossing Sungai Golok.
Meanwhile, deputy Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamad Fadzli Hassan said the demolition plan was part of joint operations between state and federal agencies to strengthen border security.
He said these illegal jetties have long been identified as key transit points for smuggling activities, particularly involving drugs, contraband goods and vehicles.
"We are not targeting genuine cross-border family ties, but enforcement must be tightened to protect the state and the country from criminal activities.
"Any movement between the two countries should be made through authorised checkpoints," he said.
He added that the state government welcomed discussions with residents to address concerns, but stressed that public safety and national security remained the top priority.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat recently said police will demolish 128 illegal jetties along Sungai Golok after receiving the state government's approval.