KOTA BHARU — People in Kelantan have been advised by the state government to avoid going over to Sungai Golok, Thailand, and if they must go, to be cautious and obey instructions from security forces, the state Deputy Menteri Besar said.
Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said visiting Sungai Golok, which is a popular spot for Malaysians living across the border for food and markets, is currently risky in the wake of the attack on the Sungai Golok District Office last night and multiple incidents that followed.
“We do know that a lot of Kelantanese go over to Sungai Golok to buy food or to break fast with family and friends every Ramadan. But it’s better we go back to our ‘kampung’ or gather at home to break fast together,” he told Bernama.
He added that the public should prioritse their safety and need to be cautious in deciding whether to visit the neighbouring country.
Last night’s attack at the Sungai Golok District Office, which took place during the hour when Muslims break fast, saw assailants dressed in black open fire at officers manning a security guard post, before throwing explosives at the district office building.
Two volunteer security officers were killed, and about a dozen others injured.
The attack on the district office was followed by an explosion near a shopping mall and railway tracks, also in Pekan Sungai Golok.
In the same Narathiwat province later last night, a bomb damaged electricity poles, while another attack on a ranger patrol in the neighbouring province of Pattani also took place.
Bernama reports that the revised toll from the multiple bombings and shooting incidents in Narathiwat and Pattani provinces last night now stands at five dead and 13 injured.
Meanwhile, Wisma Putra has advised Malaysians travelling to or who are residing in Thailand’s southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat exercise caution and to remain vigilant.
The Foreign Ministry, in a statement on today, recommended Malaysians postpone all non-essential visits to the provinces for the time being.
As a precautionary measure, it urged Malaysians currently in these provinces to register their presence with the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla.
In the event of an emergency, Malaysian citizens can seek assistance from the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla, located at No. 4, Sukhum Road, Muang District, Songkhla Province, Thailand.
They can contact the consulate at +6674 311 062 or +6674 316 274, and for urgent situations, an emergency hotline is available at +6693 657 0707 or email at [email protected] for further assistance.
The ministry said it is closely monitoring the situation and will keep the informed of any developments. – March 9, 2025