PASIR MAS, 17 October 2026, Stronger coordination among enforcement agencies is essential to combat illegal cross-border activities and strengthen border security in Kelantan, particularly along unauthorised entry routes.
Rantau Panjang Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) commander Siti Khadijah Hamzah said the agency is responsible for five gazetted entry points in the state, while other enforcement bodies oversee areas outside its jurisdiction.
The five authorised entry points are Pengkalan Kubor in Tumpat, Rantau Panjang in Pasir Mas, Bukit Bunga in Tanah Merah, Tok Bali Port in Pasir Puteh and Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu.
She explained that AKPS manages designated entry points, whereas areas that have not been officially gazetted fall under the respective responsibilities of agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), General Operations Force (GOF), Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
Speaking to Bernama at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex in Rantau Panjang recently, Siti Khadijah highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in monitoring vulnerable border areas and preventing illegal crossings.
She said enforcement efforts faced ongoing challenges as new illegal crossing routes could emerge after existing routes were closed, requiring authorities to maintain continuous surveillance.
She also observed that cross-border activities were increasingly extending to maritime routes, adding another dimension to border enforcement.
Siti Khadijah stressed that closer collaboration between land and maritime enforcement agencies was necessary to address these evolving challenges and ensure the security of Kelantan’s borders.
-BERNAMA
