KOTA BARU: The Education Department has identified 221 students crossing into Kelantan through illegal jetties to attend school.
Kelantan Education Department director Datuk Mohd Zamri Abdul Aziz said these students, from 22 schools near the border, will be relocated to school hostels starting Dec 1.
"Students whose families live in Thailand will stay at hostels. If their school lacks one, they'll be accommodated at another school's hostel," Zamri said, adding that the plan was finalised in a meeting with the National Security Council.
He said that once the arrangements are complete, the department will update the Education Minister.
The move aims to address the issue of students crossing the Golok River illegally to study in Kelantan. Most of these primary and secondary students attend schools in Rantau Panjang.
In addition to the 221 students, 10 others studying at religious schools under the Kelantan state government will stay with relatives.
The border crossing issue arose after police announced stricter enforcement against illegal crossings starting Dec 1. Students found violating Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act could face fines of up to RM10,000.