Kelantan police launch cattle smuggling crackdown after Thai anthrax death
KOTA BARU: Police have bolstered security operations to curb cattle smuggling from Thailand in a bid to prevent the spread of anthrax, following the death of a Thai national from the disease.
Kelantan police chief, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the 53-year-old Thai man died on May 1.
"The relevant Malaysian authorities, including the Veterinary Department, are taking this issue seriously, as many cattle from Thailand have entered Malaysia via illegal routes along the Kelantan–Thai border," he told reporters today.
Officials said cross-border cattle smuggling is rampant due to strong demand and cheaper prices.
Anthrax outbreaks in wildlife and livestock often raise concerns due to the risk of transmission to humans through contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated meat or milk.
Mohd Yusoff said: "Following the death of the Thai man earlier this month, we (the state police) have taken the necessary measures with immediate effect.
"I have ordered the General Operations Force, as well as the district police, to step up their checks on cattle smuggling. This is to prevent the anthrax disease from spreading to Malaysia via Kelantan."
Mohd Yusoff said among the measures taken by police include setting up roadblocks, checking suspicious vehicles, and intensifying border patrols.
Mohd Yusoff said cattle smuggling along the border was now rampant. He also expected the activity to become more intense, particularly ahead of Hari Raya Aidiladha next month.
The cows and buffaloes smuggled from Thailand usually enter Kelantan via numerous illegal jetties, stretching from Rantau Panjang to Jeli, police said.
Police estimate that between 10 and 20 illegal routes along these areas are used by smugglers to bring in cattle.
Mohd Yusoff said that Kelantan has become the transit point for cattle smuggling before the animals are distributed to other states.
In early May, Thailand reported its first anthrax-related death in 30 years, prompting a public health alert after authorities identified hundreds of people in Mukdahan province who may have been exposed to the deadly bacteria.
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