13-12-2024 (BANGKOK) Plans for a massive border wall between Malaysia’s Kelantan state and Thailand’s Narathiwat province have encountered significant resistance, with Malaysia’s Home Minister expressing clear reservations about the ambitious project.
In a statement that has cast doubt on the proposal’s future, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted on Thursday the considerable financial implications of such an undertaking. “The construction and maintenance costs of such a barrier would place an enormous strain on resources,” the minister noted during an official briefing.
The proposed 100-kilometre wall, which would trace the Golok River separating the two nations, was put forward by Kelantan state authorities last month as a measure to combat cross-border criminal activities. However, the project requires approval from Kuala Lumpur’s top security officials, and there remains uncertainty about whether the proposal has even reached federal authorities.
Challenging traditional approaches to border security, Mr Saifuddin suggested that physical barriers may be becoming obsolete. “In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, we must consider more contemporary solutions,” he remarked, pointing towards the potential of emerging technologies.
The Home Ministry is actively exploring cutting-edge technological solutions to address illegal border crossings, particularly along the Thai frontier. Whilst specific details remain under wraps, officials have indicated these measures would target the 281 identified unofficial crossing points, commonly known as “rat lanes”, with over half located along the Thai border.
