KUALA LUMPUR: Law enforcement officers stationed at the country's international borders must be bold in carrying out their duties, said Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) chairman Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar.

"They must be bold in carrying out border control measures efficiently and systematically. This is crucial," he said when met at the Madani government's second-anniversary event here today.

He said this when asked to comment on the issue of around 500 students crossing the Malaysia-Thailand border in Sungai Golok using illegal jetties.

Ismail said despite the cultural ties between the communities on both sides of the border, it must not be a compromise of the country's sovereignty.

"However, that does not mean we should compromise national security and sovereignty, which must be upheld firmly and without compromise. We cannot allow our borders to be breached as easily as they are today.

This has existed even before independence, particularly concerning the facilities available at the border. I recall discussions in the 1980s about the need for a border wall, but the high costs and other priorities made implementation challenging.

When asked if the EAIC would summon enforcement officials at the border for further clarification on the issue, Ismail said they would evaluate the matter first.

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 into 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 police would arrest anyone using illegal points effective Dec 1.

He said those caught would be charged under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM10,000 if convicted.

Yusoff said he had instructed the General Operations Force (GOF) and his officers to conduct 24-hour surveillance at the border.

Sumber : NST