ILLEGAL-JETTY DEMOLITION ALONG THAI-KELANTAN BORDER STRENGTHENS CONTROL ON LIVESTOCK ENTRY

KOTA BHARU, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- The demolition of illegal jetties along the Malaysia-Thailand border in Kelantan will help the government control the entry of livestock and agricultural produce from the neighbouring country, said Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak.

He said the effort not only ensures food security but also safeguards the country’s food safety.

“The collaboration between KPKM, police, the National Security Council and other agencies under the whole-of-government approach has shown positive results in curbing smuggling activities.

“Encroachments and smuggling activities at illegal landing points along the Kelantan border pose a major threat to the nation’s food biosecurity,” he told reporters after officiating at the 2024 Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) excellent service awards ceremony here today.

Isham said cattle brought in illegally from Thailand risk carrying dangerous diseases such as rabies, which could affect the local livestock industry.

He said the uncontrolled entry of livestock could pose a serious threat to national food biosecurity, as diseases carried by these animals can spread rapidly and harm local farming operations.

“Many companies have invested substantial amounts in developing feedlot farms and breeding centres for beef and dairy cattle in this country. Therefore, we want to protect this industry from disease threats arising from smuggling activities,” he said.

Yesterday, Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat was reported as saying that all 223 illegal jetties, including privately owned ones used for smuggling along Sungai Golok, are expected to be completely demolished within two months.

Mohd Yusoff said the project marks an initial step towards implementing comprehensive security control reforms along the Malaysia-Thailand border, particularly in Kelantan.

The first two locations involved in the initial phase of demolition are Pangkalan Gergaji and Pangkalan MCA in Rantau Panjang, involving illegal jetties built on government land.

-- BERNAMA