TUMPAT: Smugglers along the narrow and winding Sungai Golok had better watch out, as the Pengkalan Kubor marine police is now equipped with a speedboat and two jet skis.

The boat, measuring 11 metres long and 2.4m wide, is worth RM700,000 while the jet skis are worth RM110,000 each.

The jet skis are bigger than the ones used for recreational purposes. They are able to reach a top speed of 140kph.

At present, these skis are used at the marine police base in Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu and in Kuantan, Pahang.

Eastern region marine police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Salleh Mat Jani said the equipment would help officers to carry out operations more easily.
"The speedboat will only be used for special operations as it can get close to other boats while the jet ski will be used in search and rescue operations."

He said the officers would be sent for training to enable them to handle the new jet skis.

Speaking after presenting the boat and the jet skis to newly-appointed Pengkalan Kubor marine police commanding officer Deputy Superintendent Tan Cheng San here yesterday, Mohd Salleh said with the latest additions, the marine police now had 30 jet skis.

Earlier, Mohd Salleh witnessed the handing over of the Pengkalan Kubor commanding officer's post between Tan and Assistant Superintendent Wan Ismail Wan Mamat, who was appointed as acting commanding officer seven months ago.

Also present were Takbai marine chief Pol Major Chaiya Sit Karn Charon and several of his officers.

In another development, Mohd Salleh said cooperation between Malaysian and Thai authorities was proceeding smoothly.

The cooperation includes curbing the smuggling of firearms and drugs, and human trafficking.

"We will conduct twice-a-month joint border patrols and exchange information on all cases. This has been going on and we have seen positive results," he said.