10 more GOF battalions for border patrols in northern peninsula

KUALA LUMPUR: Ten more battalions of the General Operations Force ( GOF) have been tasked to patrol the country’s borders in the northern parts of the peninsula, especially Wang Kelian in Perlis, effective this month.

Internal Security and Public Order director Datuk Muhd Fuad Abu Zarim said with the additional 10 battalions, there would be 12 battalions tasked with border duties on a monthly rotation basis.

“Prior to this, there were only two battalions, but with the additional battalions, each battalion will be on border duty there for only a month in a year, unlike previously where the same battalion returned after a month,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

He said the monthly-rotation basis was introduced so that the GOF personnel would not be stationed at a place for too long to avoid them from getting involved in unhealthy activities, including corruption.

Normally, problems start to arise when they are at a particular place for a long time, as they will be comfortable there, he added.

Muhd Fuad said each battalion had between 400 and 500 personnel and they would be required to conduct more frequent patrols, especially along routes used by smugglers.

As for patrols on the Kelantan side of the Malaysia-Thai border, Muhd Fuad said it was carried out by the Malaysian Armed Forces.

On the current situation at the border, especially after the discovery of the transit camps, believed used by human traffickers, at Wang Kelian in Perlis last May, he said it had improved.

“The situation is now under control,” he added.

Last May 26, Malaysia made headlines following the discovery of 139 graves in 28 transit camps, believed used by human traffickers, at Bukit Wang Burma, Wang Kelian, Perlis.

The discovery raised questions on security at the Malaysian border which enabled people to leave and enter the country through rat lanes. — Bernama