Malaysia tightens security measures on its border with Thailand “to prevent the spread of violence to its territory”

Malaysia has tightened security measures along its land border with Thailand, particularly in forested areas, to prevent members of rebel groups from infiltrating Malaysian territory following recent attacks in southern Thailand. Malaysian Defense Minister Mohd Khalid Ngah told reporters at the Defense Ministry headquarters that “the armed forces have increased border surveillance with Thailand to prevent militants from infiltrating Malaysia and bringing violence to its soil.” Ngah affirmed that the Malaysian government “will never allow any parties that resort to violence and reject the peace process in southern Thailand to hide or seek asylum on Malaysian territory,” adding that “Malaysia will provide full cooperation to Thai authorities to ensure that its territory is not used by parties that resort to violence.” Last week, several southern Thai provinces witnessed a series of coordinated attacks in which government buildings and vehicles were set ablaze, leaving at least three people injured.