Police tighten Malaysia–Thailand border security after Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat blasts
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — Police have stepped up security preparedness at the Malaysia-Thailand border following a series of explosions and attacks in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, southern Thailand, with the areas remaining under control.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the measures included the deployment of members of the Southeast and Northern Brigades of the General Operations Force (GOF) as well as intensifying patrols at the border fencing, Sungai Golok and routes that could potentially be used for infiltration.
“JKDNKA gives assurances that the country’s borders remain under control,” he said when contacted here today.
He said PDRM was also strengthening its prevention, early detection and rapid response approaches, as well as increasing intelligence and information sharing with Thai security agencies.
Mohd Yusri said so far there were no reports of Malaysians being affected in the incident.
He said the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok and the Malaysian Consulate General in Songkhla would continue to liaise with Thai authorities to obtain the latest developments and ensure that the safety of Malaysians in the affected areas was always given attention.
In this regard, Mohd Yusri advised Malaysians who reside, are in or are planning to travel to the southern region of Thailand to postpone non-essential travel and remain vigilant.
He said they also needed to comply with all security instructions issued by Thai authorities, including a curfew if enforced, in addition to registering and updating information via the e-Consular portal to facilitate the process of obtaining consular assistance in emergencies.
The media previously reported that Narathiwat was placed under a curfew from 10.15pm last Saturday to 5am yesterday following more than 50 incidents, including bombings, burning of local government offices and burning tyres, which were reported to have occurred in the three regions.
The loud explosion from the direction of Narathiwat also shook homes and caused concern among residents in the Malaysia-Thailand border area, including Kampung Lubok Gong and Kampung Tersang, Rantau Panjang.
