KUALA LUMPUR - Illegal immigration will be the main issue discussed during a bilateral meeting between the General Operations Force (GOF) and Thai authorities in Krabi from June 10 to 12.
The meeting aims to strengthen border security cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand.
GOF Southeast Brigade commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the discussions will help improve cooperation and intelligence sharing to combat cross-border crimes, including human smuggling.
He said the rise in illegal immigration is believed to be linked to global economic pressures and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz affecting many countries.
“The situation has led many immigrants to seek countries that are considered capable of offering a better standard of living, including Malaysia, which is seen as a preferred destination.
“We believe that more immigrants will try to enter the country through illegal routes, and the GOF will enhance control to ensure that no breaches occur,” he said after the handover ceremony for Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan at the GOF Tactical Headquarters in Pengkalan Kubor.
Ahmad Radzi said the GOF Southeast Brigade recorded 51 illegal immigration cases under Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan between Jan 1 and May 8.
The cases involved 318 individuals, with Myanmar nationals making up the largest group at 227 people.
He also said syndicates are now using sea and river routes around Tumpat to smuggle immigrants into the country with the help of coordinators from several states.
Meanwhile, the GOF Eastern Brigade recorded seizures worth RM195 million since January.
