KUALA LUMPUR: Any decision in addressing the issue of 500 students using illegal crossing points at Sungai Golok, must prioritise safeguarding their rights.
Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) director-general Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali said many of these students are Malaysians.
He said several parties would implement the mechanisms, including the National Security Council (NSC), police, and the Education Ministry.
"MCBA is not yet involved (matter not within its jurisdiction), but the best alternative must be planned because most of these students are Malaysian citizens," he briefly told Berita Harian today.
It was reported that nearly 500 students living in Thailand use illegal crossings along Sungai Golok daily to attend school in Malaysia.
A survey revealed that students will wait for boats to cross to Malaysia as early as 6.30am, with a fee of RM1 charged per student.
Five illegal crossings popular among students include Pangkalan Jambu, Ibrahim Pencen and Paun.
Between 6.30am and 8am, the Sungai Golok area is bustling with boats ferrying students from Thailand to Malaysia.
Most of these students attend nine schools in the Rantau Panjang area, including SK Rantau Panjang, SMK Rantau Panjang, SK Tok Deh, SK Gual Tinggi, and Sekolah Ugama Arab Lubok Gong.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the police would arrest anyone using illegal points effective Dec 1.
He said those caught will be charged under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM10,000, if convicted.
Mohd Yusoff said he had instructed the General Operations Force (GOF) and his officers to conduct 24-hour surveillance at the border.