Violent threats from smugglers a part of life for border enforcement personnel

Violent threats from smugglers are an unfortunate reality for those who enforce the border in Kota Baru. These criminals engage in intimidating behavior, occasionally firing shots at enforcement personnel using firearms and air guns. Irwandi, a former border enforcement unit member, recounted being shot at with an air gun while patrolling the Kelantan-Thailand border between 2004 and 2022.

During one such encounter, the smugglers fired air guns at his unit, though the shots missed their targets. Irwandi noted that such threats were common and could escalate, particularly during nighttime patrols. Smugglers often transported contraband, including drugs, firearms, and rice, crossing the river under the cover of darkness.

They exploited the tranquil waters of the Sungai Golok, especially during the dry season, to cross the river with relative ease. Smugglers also maintained informants who alerted them when enforcement personnel were near, making their work more difficult. A recent report revealed that villagers along the Kelantan coast have been threatened with firearms by human-smuggling syndicates to prevent them from exposing illegal activities.

These threats have increased fear among coastal communities where undocumented migrants are regularly smuggled via rivers, jetties, and beaches. In response, marine police have been instructed to double their efforts to curb human-trafficking activities along the Kelantan and Golok rivers, as well as the waters off Tumpat.