RANTAU PANJANG: Following a recent bomb explosion and gunfire in Sungai Golok, Thailand, the General Operations Force (GOF) has deployed an armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) to the border area, heightening security measures.
GOF Southeast brigade deputy commander, Assistant Commissioner Hakamel Hawari said the deployment of the AFV from the GOF's Southeast Armoured 9th Squadron to Kelantan was carried out since May 2.
He said the vehicle's surveillance operations span from Pos Ular to Pos Ibrahim Pencen, covering over 30km along Sungai Golok.
"Our objective is to ensure the security of residents by reinforcing our presence with the AFV," he added.
Led by Inspector Mohamad Haffis Abd Ghapar, the AFV conducts daily surveillance along the Kelantan/Thai border.
The deployment of the AFV has brought relief to many residents living along the border, with locals expressing increased feelings of safety.
"The recent gunfire and bomb explosion in Pasemas district in Sungai Golok sub-province really instilled fear in us. With the heightened surveillance by the police and the deployment of the AFV here, we feel more secure," she said.
It was learnt that the AFV had been deployed not only in Kelantan but also in other border states in Peninsular Malaysia as well as in Sabah.
The deployment comes after an attack on April 28, where four Thai policemen were injured in an attack at their base in Pasemus district which is located opposite Bukit Lata here.
The suspects planted a bomb on the road and later fired shots at the policemen before fleeing the scene.