An electric fence will be installed along the Malaysia-Thai border in Kelantan to curb smuggling, said Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said Prime Minister Najib Razak had agreed in principle on the installation of the electric fence.

The project would involve 121km of river boundary and 20km of land boundary from Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat until Jeli, he told reporters after launching the 'United in Combating Crime' carnival organised by the Royal Malaysia Police at the Rural Transformation Centre (RTC), Tunjong, Kota Bharu today.

 

"We will go into details on the building of the fence when the Finance Ministry has finalised on the procurement and payment methods because it involves a high cost," he said.

Ahmad Zahid said his ministry would get the cooperation of the Kelantan state government because the fence would involve land belonging to the state government and local residents.

He said the construction of the fence was important to eradicate smuggling activities including drug, firearm and human trafficking.

Asked on the cost of the project, he said the Finance Ministry would make the announcement. The project was expected to be completed in 36 months.

On the 'United in Combating Crime' programme, Ahmad Zahid said 1.7 million people had registered to take part in the programme to support the police in curbing crime nationwide.

"I expect at lease three million people to sign up to support this programme to enable us to act to eradicate crimes nationwide," he said.

Ahmad Zahid also urged the Kelantan state government and the public to cooperate with the Kelantan police in tackling the rise in car thefts, addiction to methamphetamine, and high cases of rape involving the young.

- Bernama