SECURITY WALL ALONG SUNGAI GOLOK A STRATEGIC NECESSITY - POLICE CHIEF

KOTA BHARU, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said that the proposed construction of a security wall along Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang is no longer an option but a strategic necessity to curb smuggling activities, mitigate flood risks, and safeguard the country’s sovereignty along the Kelantan-Thailand border.

He said the narrow and shallow geographical features of Sungai Golok make it difficult to maintain effective security control through conventional means - even with the assistance of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, or closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance.

“Sungai Golok is very narrow. Even with advanced technology, maintaining control remains difficult as it only takes minutes for someone to cross over to Thailand.

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“That is why I would like to propose to the government to expedite the construction of a security wall or fence along the river buffer zone,” he told Bernama at the state contingent police headquarters recently.

He said the proposal would not only strengthen border control but could also serve a dual purpose - functioning as both a security barrier and a flood mitigation structure to prevent the frequent overflow of river water affecting the border areas.

He added that of the 163-kilometre Kelantan-Thailand border, about 91 kilometres consists of river boundaries, while the remainder is on land. Therefore, the installation of a security wall or fence could be implemented according to the suitability of each area.

He noted that the border terrain in Kelantan is far more challenging compared to other border states such as Perlis or Kedah, as the distance between the two countries in certain areas, particularly in Tanah Merah and Jeli, is only a few metres apart.

“As Sungai Golok is narrow and shallow, it provides easy access for livestock and contraband smuggling. The proposal to build a security wall has been discussed for some time, and I hope it can be implemented soon as it remains the most effective solution,” he said.

He also stressed that surveillance through drones, cameras and automated monitoring systems alone is insufficient, as these technologies still require continuous human supervision.

Technological tools such as drones and CCTV have limitations, as drones still require human operation while CCTV only records incidents without immediate response, he added.

Based on his year-long observation in Kelantan, he said the construction of a security wall remains the most comprehensive solution to curb border smuggling, noting that developed countries such as the United States and Mexico have adopted similar measures for more effective border control.

During the monsoon season, smugglers find it easier to cross the border as rising waters from Sungai Golok often submerge the boundary line, allowing them to enter Malaysian territory by boat - sometimes reaching as far as Pasir Mas and Meranti.

“When the river overflows, the border line disappears, and smugglers from Thailand take advantage of the situation.

He added that flood conditions also complicate police operations, as some border control posts and stations become inundated, limiting patrols to boat operations. However, these efforts are further constrained as personnel are also required to assist flood victims.

During the dry season, the low water level in Sungai Golok allows smugglers to easily cross the border on foot within minutes.

He said the proposed security wall would enhance safety for police and other enforcement agencies, including the General Operations Force, particularly during floods when patrols by boat are limited.

“This is not just about security but also about safeguarding national sovereignty. The wall is a long-term investment for the future,” he said.

In November last year, Bernama reported that the Thai government had welcomed the Kelantan government’s proposal to the federal government for the construction of a security and flood control wall along the Sungai Golok-Rantau Panjang border.

Narathiwat Governor Trakul Thotham was reported as saying that such a structure would be an important step in tackling cross-border crime.

-- BERNAMA