NARATHIWAT - In a surprising development, a popular modern dikir barat singer from Kelantan was among six Malaysians arrested yesterday in Thailand on drug possession charges. Thai authorities detained the female singer, who is in her 30s, along with two women and three men, aged between 24 and 25, in a hotel room near Sungai Golok town around 6 a.m.
A Thai police source revealed that the group was apprehended shortly after leaving an entertainment venue near their hotel. According to the source, Sungai Golok police conducted a raid on the hotel room and discovered 6,000 yaba pills, a stimulant commonly found in Southeast Asia.
“It is believed that two unidentified individuals managed to escape during the police raid,” the source stated. Details surrounding the escape remain under investigation, though authorities are continuing efforts to identify the individuals who evaded arrest.
According to Thai police, two members of the detained group had crossed into Thailand illegally through a hidden entry point near Rantau Panjang in Pasir Mas, Malaysia. The remaining four suspects reportedly entered Thailand through official immigration channels at the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex (ICQS).
All six suspects have since been transferred to the Sungai Golok police station for further questioning and investigation. Thai authorities are likely to examine their movements, communications, and connections to determine the nature and extent of their alleged involvement in drug activities.
The Kelantan police chief, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat, confirmed the arrest of six Malaysians, including the well-known singer. While details about the singer’s involvement remain limited, the incident has sparked considerable public interest and concern given her popularity within the dikir barat music scene in Kelantan.
Kelantan’s dikir barat community, which celebrates traditional Malay music with a modern twist, has seen this singer rise to prominence, drawing large crowds and a loyal fan base. Her recent arrest has therefore come as a shock, with many fans expressing surprise over the charges.
The arrest has also highlighted issues surrounding illegal border crossings, which are not uncommon in this area, where the proximity between the Malaysian and Thai borders allows for both legal and clandestine movement. Authorities are using this case as an opportunity to emphasize the risks and consequences associated with illegal entry and activities involving banned substances.
As investigations proceed, both Thai and Malaysian authorities are expected to cooperate closely to understand the full context of the incident. The group may face significant legal repercussions in Thailand if found guilty, as the country has strict drug laws and imposes severe penalties on those involved in drug trafficking or possession.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to legal guidelines and travel restrictions, particularly for public figures whose actions can impact their community and fan base. For now, both Thai and Malaysian authorities continue to assess the evidence and will release further details as they become available.
Source: Malay Mail
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