KOTA BARU: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry claims that the ban on illegal crossings starting Dec 1 will encourage legal travel and support Kelantan's tourism sector and economy.
State ministry director Mohd Aidil Afizie Daud said: "The ministry supports the move by the police to prevent the use of illegal jetties for crossing into Thailand and vice versa."
"This is a good decision by the police and the National Security Council. And I believe by doing this, more domestic tourists will come to Kelantan.
"They will visit tourist destinations, including those along the Kelantan-Thai border, and spend their money there.
"This is good for traders and the state's economy," he said at a dialogue with state tourism players here.
Present was state Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Noor.
On Nov 18, Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said that any Malaysian found crossing into Thailand illegally will face a RM10,000 fine starting Dec 1.
He said police are urging Kelantan residents and others to stop using illegal jetties and instead use the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security complex.
Meanwhile, some 30 boat operators plying Sungai Golok in Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, say they are not happy with the move.
These operators, who have been working in the industry for many years, urge the authorities to reconsider the decision or provide alternative solutions.
Boat operator Abdullah Senik said: "With the enforcement, we might lose our clients, and we will not earn enough to support our families."