Kelantan police have dismissed claims that suspects involved in the shooting that killed five ranger personnel in Narathiwat, Thailand, on July 22, had escaped into the state.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said allegations suggesting suspects involved in shootings or violent incidents in southern Thailand often flee to Kelantan had been repeatedly raised, but no evidence had been found to support such claims.
He said Special Branch personnel in all districts and the Kelantan Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) have continued monitoring security developments along the border but have not detected any movement of the suspects into the state.
“Whenever a shooting or fight occurs there, there are always claims that the suspects have fled here to Kelantan, but until now there is no evidence.
“Our Special Branch and intelligence teams at district and state levels are constantly carrying out monitoring. So far, there is no evidence showing they escaped to Kelantan. If there is any information, provide their names to us,” he said.
Mohd Yusoff was speaking at a press conference after the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Kelantan State Education Department (JPN) engagement meeting at JPN Kelantan in Tunjong today.
He said border controls between Malaysia and Thailand have been strengthened since he took charge of the state police force, particularly to curb drug and goods smuggling as well as prevent cross-border crimes.
According to him, tighter security measures have also helped address perceptions that Kelantan could be an easy route for criminals escaping from southern Thailand.
“That is why I have emphasised border control and closures since arriving here. Apart from smuggling cases, there have been many claims that criminals from Thailand escape into Kelantan.
“After the border controls were strengthened, such incidents have no longer occurred,” he said.
Previously, reports stated that five members of the 45th Ranger Task Force were killed after armed men opened fire at a checkpoint in Bukit Sami, Tanyong Mas sub-district, Rangae District, Narathiwat, Thailand.
