Kelantan police vow firm action against ‘tonto’ used to block enforcement in human‑smuggling cases

KOTA BHARU, Aug 19 — Law enforcement agencies in Kelantan are committed to taking decisive action against criminal groups that employ 'tonto' tactics to impede enforcement vehicles, following a recent incident where two General Operations Force (GOF) officers sustained injuries during their duties. Kelantan's police chief, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat, warned that such audacious behavior would not be accepted, emphasizing that human smuggling is a matter of grave concern.

At a press conference, he stated that those responsible would face consequences under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM) and relevant Penal Code provisions. The police chief noted that enforcement efforts have also uncovered human-smuggling activities via sea routes and rivers along Kelantan's coastline, and warned that law enforcement agencies would remain vigilant in countering such operations.

While the incident involving the GOF personnel was deemed isolated, he urged officers, especially GOF members and the Kelantan Regional Police Task Force, to stay vigilant and take legally justified measures when confronted with threats. On August 15, a land-based smuggler carrying six undocumented Myanmar nationals collided with two GOF officers during a routine inspection in Kampung Chat Palekbang, Tumpat, before being apprehended.