Malaysia probes claim subsidised padi fertiliser smuggled into Thailand for bomb-making

PASIR PUTEH, September 3 — Malaysia and Thailand will use existing bilateral mechanisms to investigate allegations of bomb-making activities involving fertiliser elements from Malaysia, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said the Malaysian and Thai police would conduct their respective investigations, with the matter to be managed through established channels, including government-to-government engagement, the Border Working Group and Police-to-Police (P-to-P) cooperation.

“The police will conduct an investigation, the authorities on their side will also conduct an investigation, and we will use the mechanisms that I mentioned,” he told a media conference after the handover ceremony for the completed Marine Police Base, Region Three project in Tok Bali here today.

He said that he would not want to respond directly to every allegation that emerged, stressing that border-related issues should instead be addressed through the mechanisms already established between the two countries.

According to him, the approach was important to prevent tensions from escalating or mutual suspicion from arising between the two sides, as Malaysia and Thailand had major responsibilities towards their respective peoples.

Saifuddin Nasution said the P-to-P cooperation enabled enforcement authorities from both countries to communicate and discuss security-related matters at any time, describing the mechanism as operating continuously.

Meanwhile, the Border Working Group serves as another platform for Malaysia and Thailand to discuss matters concerning the border, he said.

On the Region Three Marine Police Base, he said it is expected to begin operations in November with 111 officers and personnel to strengthen enforcement and maritime security along the East Coast.

The RM80.01 million project, implemented by PBLT Sdn Bhd, includes an administration building, boathouse, mechanical workshop, jetty, guardhouse, ammunition store and 82 quarters for personnel.

Saifuddin Nasution said the base would strengthen efforts to counter threats in East Coast waters, including drug and firearm smuggling, illegal immigrant and refugee landings, as well as incursions by fishermen.

“Most importantly, we are safeguarding the sovereignty of the country’s waters,” he said.

Also present were Bukit Aman Department of Internal Security and Public Order director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri and Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat. — Bernama