KOTA BARU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) believes that the construction of a security fence along the Kelantan-Thailand border will help to curb smuggling activities and also reduce corruption at the same time.
Kelantan MACC director Abdul Aziz Aban said a big allocation was needed for the project but it would be beneficial for all parties in the long run especially in preventing corruption among enforcement agencies.
Abdul Aziz, who declined to give details on agencies which have been put under close watch by the commission, said the project, however, would not be successful without the co-operation from the state government.
"I totally support the Federal Government's plan to set up a security fence because our investigation showed many enforcement officers stationed along the border are suspected of receiving bribes.
"However, both the state and the federal governments must invest and scarify a little bit in the form of land and money rather than suffering bigger losses to smuggling activities," he said.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said last year an electronic fence will be installed along the Malaysia-Thai border in Kelantan to curb smuggling.
Ahmad Zahid said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had agreed in principle on the installation of the electronic fence.
He said under the first phase, the security fence would be put above the mitigation project, spanning 68km, from Sungai Mentua in Tumpat to Rantau Panjang.
He said the project would eventually cover a total length of 126km, up to Sungai Lanas in Jeli, but construction would be carried out in stages and the work would begin once the proposal was approved by the ministry.