Malaysia is adding more barbed or concertina-style security wire along illegal crossing points on the Golok River. The work is in the border area opposite Sungai Kolok district in Narathiwat, Thailand, across from Kelantan, Malaysia. The aim is to block access at known informal routes near the riverbank.
Authorities say the step targets smuggling, human trafficking, illicit drugs, and other cross-border crimes. Bernama reported that Malaysia’s General Operations Force (GOF) wants more budget support through Malaysia’s National Security Council to extend the fencing and close 69 more illegal routes.
Key facts
- Phase 1: 27 routes, 1.5 km
- Next planned: 69 more routes
- Location: Golok River opposite Narathiwat (Sungai Kolok area)
- Purpose: reduce cross-border crime
- Cost estimate reported for the fence project: 100,000 ringgit
Where these illegal crossings happen, and why the Golok River is hard to control
The Golok River forms part of the Kelantan Narathiwat border security line between Malaysia and Thailand. On the Thai side, this includes the Sungai Kolok area in Narathiwat. On the Malaysian side, it runs through parts of Kelantan. Because it’s a river border, the geography creates many small, shifting access points.
A river can act like a moving gate. Water levels rise and fall, banks erode, and vegetation grows back fast. In addition, bends in the river and thick riverside plants can limit visibility. Small boats can also reach places that roads cannot, which makes patrols and monitoring harder than at a single fixed checkpoint.
For background on how Malaysian officials frame border reinforcement in Kelantan, see Bernama’s reporting on concertina wire installed at illegal bases.
What “unauthorized jetties” are, and why they matter
A jetty is a small dock or landing point where a boat can stop. In border areas, some jetties are built without permission. Officials say those landing points can become start-and-stop spots for illegal movement across the river.
Bernama reported that Malaysia demolished jetties linked to these routes, and the new security wire aims to block access around those points. In practical terms, the wire is meant to make it harder to reach the riverbank from certain approaches, even after a structure is removed.
Blocking access at the river’s edge matters because it narrows the number of places that enforcement teams must watch.
What Malaysia means by “rat routes,” in simple terms
In border enforcement, “rat routes” is a plain term for informal routes that avoid immigration and customs controls. They can be footpaths, gaps in fencing, or small river access points that aren’t official crossings. People may use them for many reasons, but authorities focus on them because they reduce oversight and weaken basic checks.
Legal crossings are different. They happen at official checkpoints and approved transport points, where passports, permits, and goods can be inspected. When movement shifts to illegal routes, authorities say it becomes easier to move contraband, traffic people, or carry drugs across with fewer obstacles.
This matters for residents and travelers because rumors spread fast in border towns. A fence project on illegal routes does not automatically mean a shutdown of legal travel, but it can change how tightly some riverbank areas are controlled.
What’s been built so far, and what Phase 2 is trying to close
Photo by James Frid
The current project is best understood in two parts: what has been installed already, and what officials say they want to fund next. Bernama reported that the GOF is involved in the work, and that the next step depends on additional government support requested through the National Security Council.
Phase 1 recap: 27 routes fenced over 1.5 km
Bernama reported that Phase 1 installed security wire on 27 routes, covering 1.5 kilometres, in the Golok River border area opposite Thailand’s Sungai Kolok district in Narathiwat. The focus is on illegal routes near the riverbank rather than official points of entry.
Phase 2 plan: funding request to fence 69 more illegal routes
Ahmad Radzi said the GOF is requesting more government financial support, through the National Security Council, to add wire to close 69 more illegal routes tied to demolished jetties. The reported cost estimate for the fence project is 100,000 ringgit. No confirmed timeline has been announced in the reporting referenced here.
Why authorities say more security wire is needed, and what it could mean for daily life
Officials describe this as a targeted step to reduce crime that relies on low-visibility crossings. It’s also a reminder that border control is not just about big gates and passports. In many communities, the border runs behind homes, shops, and riverside paths, so enforcement choices can touch everyday routines.
Some residents cross for family ties, small trade, or errands. Meanwhile, travelers may worry about confusion near the border. The key point in the reporting is scope: the wire is aimed at illegal routes, and there is no confirmed statement that official checkpoints are being closed because of this project.
For wider context on how enforcement pressure can affect daily business near the Kelantan-Thailand line, see CNA’s feature on border enforcement and local disruption in Kelantan.
The risks officials are trying to reduce: contraband, trafficking, drugs, and other border crime
Authorities cite several categories of risk linked to Golok River illegal crossings:
- Contraband
- Human trafficking
- Illicit drugs
- Other border-crossing crimes
Illegal routes make enforcement harder because they avoid checks, records, and routine screening.
What locals and travelers should do now: stick to legal crossings and follow updates
For local communities: Informal movement can feel normal in a shared river town. Still, legal routes are safer and carry fewer legal risks, especially when enforcement increases near river access points.
For tourists and visitors: Use official crossings and approved transport options. Avoid remote riverbank areas where rules may be enforced more strictly. Also check official advisories and local updates before crossing.
A related example of how Thai authorities approach security in sensitive areas can be seen in Chiang Rai Times coverage of enhanced security for Thai gold retailers, which highlights practical measures and public guidance during risk periods.
What we know, what we don’t know yet, and common questions people are asking
Clear facts help reduce rumors, especially in border communities.
What we know
- Malaysia installed security wire on 27 routes over 1.5 km (Phase 1)
- GOF is involved and seeking more funding via the National Security Council
- The plan mentions 69 more routes tied to demolished jetties
- The location is the Golok River border area opposite Sungai Kolok, Narathiwat
- The reported cost estimate for the fence project is 100,000 ringgit
What we don’t know yet
- Exact timeline for the next phase
- Which specific points are next
- Day-to-day enforcement changes at the river
- Any confirmed impact on official checkpoints (not confirmed)
Why is Malaysia putting barbed wire on the Thailand border?
Bernama reported that officials link the project to illegal routes used for smuggling, trafficking, and drugs. Ahmad Radzi said the goal is to block access points near the river, especially around routes connected to demolished jetties.
Where is the Golok River border crossing area?
The Golok River forms part of the border between Kelantan in Malaysia and Narathiwat in Thailand. This includes river areas opposite Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat, where informal access points can appear along the bank.
Will this affect legal border crossings?
The reporting focuses on illegal routes, not official checkpoints. There is no confirmed information that legal crossings are being closed because of this fencing, so travelers should follow official updates.
What are “rat routes” on the Malaysia-Thailand border?
“Rat routes” refers to informal and illegal paths or river landing points that bypass immigration and customs checks. Authorities often link them to smuggling and other cross-border crimes because oversight is limited.
Is it still possible to cross by ferry legally?
Crossing is only legal through approved routes and procedures. Travelers should use official crossings and follow local rules and advisories, since informal river crossings can lead to serious legal trouble.
FAQs
How many illegal routes are being fenced?
Phase 1 covered 27 routes, and Phase 2 mentions 69 more routes, as reported.
How long is the fence so far?
Bernama reported 1.5 km of security wire in Phase 1.
Which Thai province is opposite the fenced area?
The reported area is opposite Sungai Kolok district in Narathiwat.
Who is installing the fencing?
The General Operations Force (GOF) in Malaysia is linked to the work in the reporting.
How much will it cost?
A cost estimate of 100,000 ringgit was reported for the fence project.
When will the next phase begin?
A timeline has not been confirmed in the reporting cited here.
Conclusion
Malaysia Thailand border security wire plans now center on expanding beyond Phase 1, after fencing 27 routes over 1.5 km. The main unknown is whether funding and approvals will come soon enough to close 69 more routes. For now, the practical takeaway is simple: use official crossings and rely on official updates, not rumors.
Sources: Bangkok Post; Bernama
Update policy: We will update this article when the Malaysian government confirms funding or publishes a timeline.
