KOTA BARU: The General Operations Force (PGA) has acknowledged that illegal jetties are the preferred route for locals in this state to travel to Golok, Thailand.
It is understood that boat operators at these illegal jetties charge around RM3 to RM4 for a one-way trip.
Southeast brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Ab Hamid said that this is due to the abundance of illegal jetties along the Golok River, especially in Rantau Panjang.
"At the PGA level, we are constantly enhancing and tightening control along the Golok River, but at the same time, we are facing personnel constraints.
"Because of this, we focus primarily on several illegal jetties, particularly in Rantau Panjang town, which attracts many people, to reduce movement along the Golok River.
"It is challenging to completely prevent movement across the Golok River due to the long and open border.
"However, we are doing our best by conducting surveys and patrols to prevent cross-border crimes," he said when contacted today.
Earlier, it was reported that around 40 entertainment centres in Golok town have long been popular with Malaysian visitors, especially during weekends, most of whom are believed to be from Kelantan.
Three of these entertainment centres are registered with the authorities and operate in hotels, while the rest are located in shop lots in the border town.
Most visitors, primarily young people, enter Golok through illegal jetties as it is faster and cheaper compared to using the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex.