KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has acknowledged that there is lax security at the Malaysia-Thailand border.
He said this could have allowed an Israeli suspect who was arrested recently to source for guns and bullets.
"We found out that the firearms are from Thailand. I have to admit that there is lax security at the border that could have allowed firearms or other contraband to be brought into Malaysia.
"We will continue to enforce our laws, especially in guarding borders properly," he said at a press conference today.
On March 29, police arrested a married couple suspected of supplying firearms to an Israeli national. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2024/03/1032222/breaking-malays...)
Razaruddin said the couple and the Israeli suspect could face the death penalty under Section 7 of the Firearms Act if found guilty.
"They are all still remanded for further investigation to allow the police to determine the motive behind the firearms.
"The Israeli suspect will be remanded until April 7 and the couple until April 5."
He said a remand extension would be requested if police needed more time to complete the investigation.
He said police had strengthened security, especially at the borders, to ensure contraband and weapons were not smuggled in.
"We know that at the Kelantan border, there are no fences. It's just a river at the border.
"If we think about the places where smuggling can happen, there's nothing there for about 99km to 100km. There are no fences, no controls whatsoever.
"During the dry season, crossing is simple. There is no need for boats.
"We will ensure smuggling does not occur, whether from Thailand into Malaysia or from Malaysia into Thailand."
Last week, police arrested an Israeli man at a hotel in Ampang and found six guns and 200 bullets in his possession.