The Kelantan state government will propose to the federal government the construction of a 100km wall along the Malaysia-Thailand border within the state as a strategic measure to combat smuggling and manage flood risks. Deputy Menteri Besar Fadzli Hassan announced the proposal today in Kota Bharu, explaining that the wall could support security efforts and alleviate challenges related to border patrols.

According to FMT, the expansive Malaysia-Thailand border has long posed challenges for security forces due to its sheer length and rugged terrain. Fadzli highlighted the difficulty of maintaining constant surveillance, noting that even with strict border control measures, the vastness of the border and numerous unmonitored entry points make it difficult to prevent illegal activities. "It is difficult for security forces to guard the entire border because the Malaysia-Thailand border is very vast," he explained.

Fadzli further pointed out that the border area includes a significant amount of privately owned land, adding to the complications faced by authorities in monitoring and controlling unauthorized crossings. Smugglers, he said, often exploit unregulated routes that are hard to monitor, allowing them to bypass border checkpoints and carry out unlawful activities.

The proposal to construct a wall aligns with a recent recommendation from Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat, who suggested that a physical barrier could play a critical role in curbing cross-border crime. By establishing a wall, the state government hopes to close off illegal entry points, strengthening the ability of security forces to detect and prevent smuggling and other criminal activities.

In addition to addressing security concerns, Fadzli noted that the proposed wall could also contribute to flood control efforts in border areas, which frequently suffer from seasonal flooding.

The proposal is expected to be submitted to federal authorities for consideration, where further discussions on feasibility, funding, and implementation will determine the next steps. As regional security and border integrity continue to be priorities for Malaysia, Kelantan's proposal may spark broader discussions on border infrastructure improvements across the northern states.

Source: FMT