RANTAU PANJNG: The General Operations Force (GOF) will increase personnel on duty at the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex to further tighten movement along the Kelantan / Thailand border areas.
GOF 7th Batalion Commanding Officer Superintendent Azhari Nusi said the move was taken following the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) at ICQSs in Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, Bukit Bunga, Tanah Merah and Rantau Panjang here.
He said the GOF's control of the ICQS was in the form of inspections at the entry and exit points so that there was no violation of the MCO.
“The implementation of the MCO was undertaken to ensure that it runs smoothly without any problems.
“In addition, every vehicle entering or exiting Malaysia and Thailand are also inspected to determine their destination and to review their travel documents to ensure no illegal movement takes place.
“In the event of any violation of the MCO at ICQS, action taken includes in entry being barred or their validity being checked by the relevant authorities.
“Strict action must be taken to control the movement of people along the Malaysia-Thailand border either at the ICQS or at illegal points located along the Rantau Panjang to Tumpat border," he told a press conference in Pos Ibrahim here today.
Azhari said they had sought to formulate a number of tasks to tighten control along the Malaysia-Thailand border to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak, especially during the mandatory MCO period from March 18 to 31.
“Patrol is being carried out around the clock, with a force of over 200 personnel to monitor 88 illegal points to prevent people from using it as a transit or exit/entry between Malaysia and Thailand.
“Although the Sungai Golok area is 29.5 km along the river and is relatively large area to control, nevertheless it is essential to control the movement of locals or foreign nationals.
"All warnings and advice has been given to the public in the last five days of the order being enforced and if there are still individuals who disobey it, prompt action will be taken," he said.