Smuggling cases along the Kelantan-Thai border have dropped by about 80 per cent since a crackdown on illegal crossings, including fines of up to RM10,000, began on Dec 1.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said most cases had been recorded in the Rantau Panjang and Tumpat areas.
"I realise that we cannot completely eliminate this illegal activity, given the extensive border area stretching over 100km.
"However, after 16 days of enforcing the fine, there has been a noticeable decrease in smuggling cases along the Kelantan-Thai border, particularly in Tumpat and Rantau Panjang.
"Although it is not a 100 per cent drop, the move has proven to be effective," he said.
Mohd Yusoff also attributed the success to the closure of numerous active illegal jetties along the border.
"I admit that when we shut down active jetties, smugglers will find alternatives, often using isolated locations surrounded by thick vegetation.
"But if you visit the border, especially in Pengkalan Kubor, you will no longer see cars parked along the Golok riverbank. Previously, motorists would leave their vehicles there and cross into Tak Bai town via illegal jetties. Now, the parking lots are empty.
"They seem to fear our enforcement actions," he said.
Despite this, Mohd Yusoff said that border agencies, including the General Operations Force (GOF), would continue to enhance checks to curb smuggling along the border.
Kelantan is separated from Thailand by the shallow Golok river, which has long been exploited by smugglers.
Mohd Yusoff warned that those caught violating the border crossing ban, including students, could face fines of up to RM10,000 under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act.
On Dec 8, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay announced the first arrests under the ban: two Thai nationals and two Malaysians detained while attempting to cross the Golok river via illegal jetties in Rantau Panjang on Dec 7.