KOTA BARU: There are around 140 illegal bases along the 106km Malaysia-Thailand border, especially in Kelantan.

The bases were most likely set up during the hot season, and their numbers are expected to rise along Sungai Golok as the river’s water level has been dropping, said Customs deputy director-general (enforcement and compliance) Datuk Sazali Mohamad.

“With the current situation, the number of illegal bases has increased with nearly one every kilometre.

“Although they are small or newly made, it’s an illegal route and a smuggling area for both countries,” he told reporters after attending the Kelantan Customs Aidilfitri event here yesterday.

The problem of illegal bases does not come under the jurisdiction of the Customs Department but other agencies like the police, the National Security Council and the local authorities, he added.

“We at the border always rely on cooperation with all agencies as it is hard to control the situation at the border in Sungai Golok.

“Whatever it is, the Customs Department will boost efforts to stamp out smuggling,” he added, reported Bernama.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/24/illegal-bases-all-along-malaysia-thai-border