Kelantan cops ready to assist over 'flying passport' racket probe

New Straits Times

6 days ago

KOTA BARU: Kelantan police are ready to provide full cooperation to the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency in addressing the issue of "flying passports" at the border.
State police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said this was because the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex falls under the agency's jurisdiction.
"This issue comes under the purview of MCBA, and ICQS operations are also within their authority. However, if they require assistance from the police, we are always ready to help.
"There's no problem. We are prepared to provide support at any time," he said.
He was speaking to reporters at the launch of Sayyidatina Khadijah' 2025 Day celebration and the launch of the 'Karnival Kelantanku Cakna 2025' by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud here today.
Yusoff was asked to comment on the growing concern over the "flying passport" activity that might occur in Kelantan.
It was reported today that the "flying passport" ruse persists in Kelantan, but on a smaller scale, sources said.
Despite being separated from Thailand by the shallow Sungai Golok, the source said the racket was detected only at one of the three checkpoints in the state.
Kelantan has three entry points along the Thai border: Rantau Panjang, Pengkalan Kubor in Tumpat and Bukit Bunga in Tanah Merah.
However, two of these checkpoints, Rantau Panjang and Pengkalan Kubor, are always busy with cross-border trade and travel.
They are less likely to be used by syndicate members due to the high traffic volume and enforcement presence.
Instead, syndicate members opt for the Bukit Bunga Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex, which is located in a quieter area and receives less scrutiny.
The source said local agents were usually the facilitators of the syndicate, working with Thais employed in Malaysia, particularly in eateries and restaurants.