PETALING JAYA: Experts have said Malaysia’s northern and maritime borders may face heightened exposure to cross-border crime and irregular migration as renewed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia add pressure to regional security dynamics.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia border and migration scholar Dr Aizat Khairi said prolonged attention on Thailand’s eastern frontier could create indirect gaps elsewhere, especially along long-standing smuggling routes connected to Malaysia.
“The Malaysia-Thailand border is already high-risk as a major route for drugs, weapons and human trafficking, especially around Sungai Golok and the northern east coast.
“If Thailand’s security focus shifts to the Cambodian border, syndicates could take advantage of familiar weaknesses such as less frequent patrols, limited manpower and reduced intelligence monitoring.”
He added that new vulnerabilities may emerge as populations flee conflict zones.
“Civilians displaced by the conflict along the Cambodian border become more vulnerable to exploitation by migration brokers and trafficking networks offering illegal work routes through Thailand into Malaysia.”
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara border security expert Dr Mohd Ramlan Mohd Arshad said the clashes have added pressure on Thailand’s security posture as the southern frontier is already burdened with smuggling, trafficking and insurgent activity.
“Cartels have long taken the opportunity to carry out crime because of the conflict in southern Thailand.
“The Malaysia-Thailand border is vulnerable because of limited resources, limited technology and gaps in strategic collaboration, especially communication.
“We need to involve all parties in Thailand and Malaysia, including experts, universities, NGOs and local leaders, to ensure border security is strengthened,” he told theSun.
He added that the conflict also places Malaysia in a sensitive diplomatic position, given the risk of outside powers stepping in if the issue is left unresolved.
