The Malaysian government’s decision to enforce stricter border control measures along the Sungai Golok river has sparked widespread concern among residents and students who rely on this route for daily cross-border education. Beginning December 1, Malaysians crossing into Thailand illegally, especially through Sungai Golok, will face arrests under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963. Kelantan police chief Mohd Yusoff Mamat announced the move on Monday, stating the crackdown aims to curb illegal activities, including smuggling.
However, the implications for nearly 500 schoolchildren from both Malaysia and Thailand who use this route daily to attend school have drawn significant attention and raised questions about balancing enforcement with the community’s educational needs.
Sungai Golok, a 100km river connecting Malaysia’s Rantau Panjang and Thailand’s Narathiwat province, has long served as an unofficial crossing for locals. For decades, families on both sides have relied on informal boat services to ferry children to schools in Rantau Panjang. The service, which costs RM1 (US$0.22) per trip, operates twice daily: early morning for school drop-offs and afternoons for pick-ups.
Local reports estimate that up to 500 children make this journey each day, reflecting the deeply intertwined lives of border communities. These crossings are particularly crucial for Thai children who attend Malaysian schools, seeking better education opportunities.
“We will investigate and take note of this matter because the reported number (of students crossing the river) is extremely high,” Malaysia’s Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said on Tuesday. Her remarks followed growing calls for clarity on how the policy will impact children and families.
The practice of cross-border schooling is not new. Residents of the region have described it as a longstanding tradition, underscoring the cultural and familial bonds between Malaysian and Thai communities. Ishak Gazali, a 61-year-old Malaysian living in Narathiwat’s Sungai Golok town, shared that three generations of his family have attended school in Rantau Panjang using this route.
“When the police announced that they would start detaining Malaysians using these crossings from Dec 1, I became worried because many children from this area use this route to get to school,” Ishak told Bernama. For families like his, relying on the legal entry points at Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complexes (ICQS) is impractical due to distance and lack of transportation options.
Similarly, Abdullah Abu Bakar, a Thai citizen married to a Malaysian, expressed concerns over potential disruptions. “Cross-border movement is a way of life for this community,” he explained. “I hope the governments of Malaysia and Thailand will make it easier for our children to continue their education without interruption.”
The clampdown also threatens the livelihoods of boat operators who depend on cross-border transport for income. The small fee charged for ferrying passengers has been a source of financial stability for many families.
“If (the authorities) want to take action, arrest those that did wrong such as smuggling,” a resident told Sinar Harian, reflecting broader community sentiment that enforcement should target criminal activities rather than daily commuters and students.
Many locals view the border as more than a geographical divide; it represents shared heritage and interdependent economies. Families often live on both sides of the river, further complicating the prospect of enforcing rigid border restrictions.
The decision to tighten border control follows recent incidents highlighting the challenges of managing the porous border. Earlier this month, six Malaysians were detained by Thai police for illegally crossing into Sungai Golok and possessing over 6,000 methamphetamine pills. Among them was a popular local artiste, adding to public scrutiny.
In response, the Kelantan state government proposed a 100km border wall along the Malaysia-Thailand border. Estimated to cost RM445 million (US$99 million), the wall aims to enhance security and flood protection. While the Thai government has reportedly agreed to the plan, it remains under discussion with Malaysia’s National Security Council.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasized that only three official entry points exist in Kelantan: ICQS in Rantau Panjang, Bukit Bunga, and Pengkalan Kubor. He reiterated that using other routes is illegal, stressing the importance of adhering to immigration laws.
The announcement has triggered appeals from residents for a more nuanced approach. Many urge authorities to consider exemptions for students who rely on these crossings for education.
“This community has been like brothers and sisters for generations,” a resident told local media. “This decision is disrupting lives unnecessarily.”
The enforcement poses logistical challenges for families, particularly those without access to private transportation. The distance to official immigration points and the added costs of travel could deter students from attending school, undermining their educational prospects.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has pledged to investigate the matter, acknowledging its gravity. However, as the December 1 deadline approaches, families and local leaders are urging a swift resolution to avoid disruptions to schooling.
Experts have suggested potential compromises, such as temporary permits or agreements between Malaysian and Thai authorities to facilitate student travel. Collaborative efforts could address security concerns while preserving the community’s educational and economic needs.
