Malaysia and Thailand are continuing to strengthen border security cooperation through government-to-government (G2G) and police-to-police (P2P) mechanisms to address the threat of cross-border crime.
Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said G2G cooperation was carried out through the Malaysia-Thailand Border Security Management Committee, which meets twice a year.
He said P2P cooperation involved police forces in the border states of Perlis, Kedah and Kelantan, which regularly held discussions and coordinated efforts on security matters.
“The police cooperation covers three areas, including intelligence sharing and joint operations when necessary,” he said.
Saifuddin said border security issues were also discussed during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent meeting with his Thai counterpart, Anutin Charnvirakul.
He said border management remained a sensitive matter as it involved the sovereignty of two countries as well as the movement of people between Malaysia and Thailand.
“The border is therefore constantly on our radar. We cannot resolve such matters through exchanges of statements in the media, but through appropriate platforms and forums, in accordance with the proper conduct expected between neighbouring countries,” he said.
Saifuddin said this after visiting the family of Lance Corporal Mohamad Nur Hafiz Ibrahim, 29, who died from an electric shock in Sabah last Thursday, at Kampung Hutan Pasir here today.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat was also present during the visit.
The minister said continued cooperation and communication between both countries were important to ensure border security issues could be managed through established channels while maintaining good relations between the neighbouring nations.
