Home Minister: Help, don’t punish students detained at Malaysia-Thai border
PETALING JAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has instructed the Immigration Department and police to assist 34 students detained for illegally crossing the border by expediting their travel documentation.
The Minister emphasised that while Malaysian law is unambiguous, requiring all cross-border movement to be supported by valid documents such as a border pass or passport, authorities will adopt a pragmatic approach in this instance.
“Any movement across the border, in principle, must be supported by valid travel documents.
“Such a requirement is crucial given the security risks along the stretch of over 100km between Rantau Panjang and Jeli,” Saifuddin told reporters today.
He added that the area bordering Thailand is highly susceptible to crimes, including smuggling, human trafficking and drug trafficking.
However, Saifuddin acknowledged the unique socio-cultural realities of border communities, where deep familial ties often result in individuals residing in Thailand while studying or working in Malaysia.
“In this case, provide them with assistance to obtain valid travel documents,” he said, adding that authorities would focus on helping the students regularise their status rather than strictly pursuing punitive measures.
While the government has already taken steps to accommodate these students including adjusting the operating hours of border checkpoints, Saifuddin warned that security concerns remain paramount.
He pointed out that illegal jetties along Sungai Golok are frequently exploited for illicit activities.
“The greater threat is cross-border crime. There have even been cases where students were used as conduits for drug trafficking,” the Minister cautioned.
He stressed that enforcement agencies must strike a delicate balance between ensuring access to education and safeguarding national security.
The 34 students, all confirmed to be Malaysian citizens residing in Thailand, were initially detained by the General Operations Force (GOF).
They were apprehended while attempting to cross into Malaysia via the illegal Jambu jetty to attend school in Rantau Panjang.
The group, aged between seven and 16, was released on police bail at approximately 11.30pm on Sunday night.
