Mastering Intelligence on Counter Setup at Malaysia-Thailand Border, Kelantan Police Chief: Perpetrators Are Like Traitors to the Nation

(Kelantan, 12th) Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff pointed out that the police have obtained preliminary intelligence regarding "counter setup" activities at the Malaysia-Thai border.
He said that such counter setup activities are concerning, especially given that even high-tech security checkpoints like Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) can be infiltrated.
"I am worried that with places like KLIA, which are under strict surveillance with closed-circuit cameras, there can still be counter setups, let alone at the long and open bases along the Golok River."
"I have intelligence, it’s just a matter of timing. I’m giving those people a warning first: I will not hesitate to arrest them, regardless of whether they are General Operations Force members or others."
He said this recently when interviewed by Bernama at the Kelantan Police Headquarters.
Mohd Yusoff described those involved in counter setup activities as traitors to the nation, and they are already under police surveillance.
"When I say I have intelligence, it means the activity (counter setups) do exist. Hopefully, we will take arrest action soon."
According to news on July 24, an immigration officer was arrested at KLIA Terminal 1 for allegedly being involved in counter setup activities. It is understood that the officer colluded with illegal syndicates to allow foreign laborers without valid documents to enter.

In addition, Mohd Yusoff mentioned that since the announcement on December 1 last year prohibiting the use of un-gazetted crossing points along the Golok River, the local security situation has been under control, and the number of Malaysians illegally entering Thailand has dropped by nearly 90% compared to before the implementation.
"Based on intelligence from the southern Thai police, border activities have significantly reduced, with entertainment venues along the southern Thai stretch of the Golok River reduced by about 85%, and many shops ceasing operations.
"Since the announcement prohibiting illegal crossings, this measure has been effective in curbing our citizens from illegally entering Thailand, and cross-border criminal activities such as drug smuggling and human trafficking have also shown a downward trend."

He said that as of September this year, the police had seized 1,335 cases of various contrabands in the border area, involving a total value of RM275,455,058, and there were 62 cross-border crime cases in the same period, with 104 people arrested for attempting to illegally enter Thailand.
He said that currently there are 212 illegal jetties along the Kelantan-Thai border, with 153 located on government land and the rest on private land.
"We have issued demolition notices to the public. The first phase will prioritize demolition of jetties on government land as they do not involve private owners. We expect to begin demolition works in mid-month."
The terrain along the Golok River is narrow and long, presenting a major challenge for our security forces in patrolling and combating illegal border crossings and smuggling at the Malaysia-Thailand border.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff pointed out that even though he has announced the closure of all illegal jetties along the Golok River and strengthened patrols, there are still some people attempting to cross the border illegally.
He said that police need to set up 17 outposts manned by General Operations Force (PGA) along the 45km stretch of river, with each outpost responsible for about 2km.
"It is not easy to fully monitor the river as it is narrow and long, full of 'rat trails', especially in the north from Tanah Merah to Jeli, areas surrounded by thick forest."

"Sometimes smugglers are just waiting for the right moment. As soon as they see no officers patrolling nearby, they will quickly use small boats to cross the border."

Mohd Yusoff pointed out that during the dry season, the water level of the Golok River can drop significantly, sometimes even drying up completely, enabling smugglers to walk across the dry riverbed into southern Thailand within seconds.

He said that smugglers also take this opportunity to bring various contraband goods and livestock into our country as they can easily cross the shallow river on foot.
"The challenges are not just on land, but also involve the vast maritime area from Tengkorak Island (Pulau Tengkorak), Geting, to the Terengganu-Lubok Stol area."
He revealed that the police have recently acquired armored personnel carriers (APCs) to enhance border patrol capabilities, with other equipment still pending government approval.
"Drug smuggling and human trafficking activities have now decreased, but our current main concern is the illegal import of livestock such as cattle, pigs, and items like rice."
"Most drug cases detected in Kelantan no longer originate directly from border entry points, but indicate that the drugs are already circulating within the state, possibly having entered by other routes such as by sea."
When discussing the integrity of border police officers, Mohd Yusoff stated that the police will not tolerate any officials colluding with smugglers.
"Just as there can be different kinds of children in a family, there may be a handful in the police force involved in improper conduct. But it is only a very few. We have placed these individuals under surveillance and will definitely take action."
As to whether body cameras will be deployed at the border, he said that currently cameras are only used by motorcycle patrol teams and patrol car units, but the police are studying whether to extend their use to border forces to enhance transparency and supervision.