KOTA BHARU 22 September 2026- Illegal migrants entering Kelantan are increasingly using sea routes from Tak Bai, Thailand, instead of the Sungai Golok land border, according to Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat.
He said recent arrests showed many migrants were entering by sea and using routes along the Kelantan River. Police have since stepped up surveillance of these routes and are working with Thai authorities to disrupt groups suspected of facilitating the movement of migrants.
Yusoff said Malaysian authorities had also shared information with their Thai counterparts on groups believed to be operating in the Tak Bai area.
Meanwhile, 96 illegal jetties have been demolished as part of efforts to strengthen border security, with enforcement action to be taken against newly constructed structures that could compromise security.
Yusoff also urged the public not to take action against Myanmar refugees or migrants suspected of committing offences, but to report such cases to the authorities to prevent further incidents and allow proper enforcement action.
-NST
