KOTA BARU: Illegal immigrant smuggling syndicates operating along the Malaysia-Thai border in Kelantan have been detected to have shifted their tactics, using the sea route and landing along the Kelantan River after security measures at the Golok River were tightened. General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander Senior Asst Comm Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the change was detected following intensified enforcement along the Golok River, which was previously the main route for clandestine crossings. “The syndicates no longer rely on the usual Sungai Golok route. They now use boats to transport illegal immigrants through tributaries of the Kelantan River, landing in less populated areas far from GOF posts,” he said when contacted by reporters on Saturday (Feb 14). He added that the PGA would continue to strengthen land and maritime patrols and step up intelligence operations to prevent syndicates from exploiting new routes.

Source: The Star February 14, 2026 17:38 UTC