M'sia considers border fencing to deter human trafficking

Sharanpal Singh Randhawa

The Star

Publication Date : 12-03-2015

Erecting security fences totalling 2,666km along the nations borders is being considered as a measure to stop smuggling and people trafficking.

The home ministry is conducting a feasibility study on the fencing which will also serve as a replacement for existing border fences that are in deplorable condition.

Each year, the government loses more than 7 billion ringgit (US$1.90 billion)to the smuggling of goods such as rice, petrol, diesel, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, fertiliser and herbicides.

There is also the matter of firearms being smuggled into the country, stolen vehicles snuck into neighbouring countries and fake fashion brands making their way in.

But stopping the trafficking of people is also a major reason for putting up the fences.

The fencing is for our borders with Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, and whats being studied is the type of fence, its height, total cost, how it will be guarded and if it needs to be electrified.

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M'sia considers border fencing to deter human trafficking