KOTA BHARU — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has tightened security along the Malaysia-Thailand border following a bomb explosion and shootings in Pekan Sg Golok, southern Thailand, yesterday.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said PDRM is closely monitoring developments in Narathiwat province and has immediately enforced strict security measures.
General Operations Force (GOF) personnel stationed at the border have been instructed to heighten their readiness level and strengthen security at GOF posts and along Sungai Golok to prevent any unwanted elements from entering Malaysia.
“In addition, the Strike Force Company and Battalion Intelligence teams have been ordered to intensify patrols at illegal crossing points and ‘hot spots’ along Sungai Golok,” he told Bernama today.
Malaysian police are also conducting 24-hour security monitoring at police posts.
The bomb explosion yesterday occurred in front of the Pekan Sungai Golok stadium at around 6.25 pm (Thai time), shortly after the breaking of fast.
“As of now, the number of those killed and injured in the incident has yet to be confirmed,” Razarudin said.
He advised Malaysians to postpone any travel to southern Thailand following the incident.
Thai authorities have meanwhile issued a notice to travellers entering Pekan Sg Golok to carry their personal identity as well as vehicle registration documents for inspection.
“Travel to the border town is allowed but if travel can be avoided, it is better to do so. If there is no necessity to travel, avoid entering the area,” the Thai government’s notice said, according to a Berita Harian report.
Yesterday, Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat confirmed that no Malaysians were among the casualties of the shooting and bomb explosion in Sungai Golok.
Thai police earlier said that an explosion occurred at a security checkpoint outside the Sungai Golok District Office on Jalan Sungai Golok-Sungai Padi, followed by gunfire from a group of attackers. The attackers reportedly killed at least two Thai security personnel and injured eight others.
The assailants were reported to have fired several shots before throwing five hand grenades at the security checkpoint in front of the Sungai Golok District Office. – March 9, 2025