RANTAU PANJANG: Signboards have been placed at four illegal jetties here and in Tumpat to remind Malaysians not to cross into Thailand illegally.
Three of the signboards were set up at MCA, Syed Agil and Jitong illegal jetties while another was placed at the Kuala Tanjung jetty in Tumpat by the General Operations Force yesterday.
GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said the signboards were placed at the jetties frequently used by Kelantanese and other Malaysians to go to the southern border.
He added the move is in the line with the order given by Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat that those found crossing to Thailand illegally be slapped with a fine of up to RM10,000.
"The signboards state that anyone caught crossing to Thailand via the illegal route, can be arrested and slapped with a fine of up to RM10,000 for breaching the Immigration Act.
"Similar actions can also be taken against foreigners who have entered Malaysia via the illegal jetties located along the Golok river," he said.
Nik Ros Azhan said GOF personnel were also told to step up their checks at the illegal jetties to nab those violating the rules.
On Monday, Mohd Yusoff said any Malaysian crossing into Thailand illegally will be hit with a heavy fine of RM10,000 effective Dec 1, 2024.
Mohd Yusoff also said from Dec 1, all agencies including General Operations Force (GOF) personnel have been ordered to arrest those crossing over the Golok river via the many illegal jetties along Kelantan/Thai border.
He said police want Kelantanese as well as other Malaysians to stop using illegal jetties and cross to Thailand via legal routes at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) complex.
Many Malaysians cross into Thailand for shopping and for the vibrant nightlife which is restricted by the PAS-led Islamic government in Kelantan state. Locals skip across the river banks during low tide to enter southern Thailand.
The porous border also allows smugglers to thrive since enforcement is difficult.
The narrow Golok river separates Malaysia and Thailand.