Home minister: 24-hour border watch, jetty demolitions to curb cross-border crime in Kelantan

Machang, Oct 17 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has announced that police are conducting continuous 24-hour surveillance along all Kelantan border routes to curb cross-border crime. This measure was directed to Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat. Among the steps taken, the home minister mentioned the demolition of illegal jetties and enforcement against individuals crossing the border without valid documents.

However, he acknowledged that such measures may not fully eliminate cross-border crime, as it involves organized criminal networks that have been active for a long time. Saifuddin stated that efforts to curb these activities would require cooperative efforts from all parties, and could not depend solely on the Home Ministry and police forces.

Regarding a recent incident involving AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, the home minister said that police were finalizing the investigation papers. These papers were submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers within a week of the event. The AGC subsequently requested police to complete several aspects of the investigation to ensure sufficient information and evidence for further consideration.

The investigation includes witness statements and data collected throughout. If additional information is needed, the AGC might return the papers to police for further completion. Previously, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail reported that the investigation was being conducted under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which deals with voluntarily causing hurt.

The media reported that Shuhaily had left the decision on his fate to the government and acknowledged the incident was brought to the attention of top leadership and the Home Ministry. He said he was ready to accept any outcome.