Malaysia, Thailand step up border security cooperation

Kota Baru: Malaysia and Thailand are enhancing their collaboration to combat cross-border crime and monitor people movement along their shared border, stated Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Both nations have created government-to-government (G2G) and police-to-police frameworks to tackle border security concerns.

At the G2G level, a joint committee consisting of Malaysia and Thailand convenes twice annually as part of their governance mechanism. Additionally, police-to-police cooperation among the border states of Perlis, Kedah, and Kelantan regularly engages in discussions and joint security actions. During a visit to the family of Corporal Mohamad Nur Hafiz Rahim in Kampung Hutan Pasir, Ketereh, Saifuddin mentioned that police cooperation primarily focuses on three areas - intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint operations as needed.

He also noted that border security discussions occur during bilateral engagements, including meetings with his Thai counterpart. At the bilateral level, issues concerning the Home Ministry are discussed between Saifuddin and his Thai counterpart. Saifuddin addressed claims by Thailand that unrest in their country led criminals to seek refuge in Malaysia.

He emphasized that Malaysia is conscious of the security implications of cross-border movement and the risk of criminals entering their country. These matters are addressed through established channels rather than through media exchanges. Malaysia intends to continue working with Thailand through existing mechanisms to bolster security and maintain stability along their common border.