Cover image via New Straits TimesFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
Kelantan police have advised Malaysians to postpone non-essential travel to southern Thailand after a series of shootings and bomb attacks in the region, including one that recently injured two Malaysians
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said those without urgent business in southern Thailand should delay their travel plans following five shooting and bombing incidents reported there within the past week.
Speaking in Kota Bharu on 1 July, Mohd Yusoff said while authorities cannot stop Malaysians from crossing the border, people should carefully consider the current security situation before making the trip.
"If you're only going there to eat, there's no need," he said, urging Malaysians to put off leisure visits for the time being.
Mohd Yusoff issued the advice following regular security updates received by the police.
"I always advise people to avoid visiting southern Thailand because I have information. Our Special Branch officers continuously report on the situation there," he said.
"At the moment, there have been five shooting and bomb incidents within a week. That's why I'm asking those without urgent matters or important business to postpone their trips."
The warning comes after two Malaysians were injured in a bomb blast
The advisory follows an incident in Tak Bai, Narathiwat, where two Malaysians were injured after being caught in a bomb explosion while travelling home to Kelantan after a holiday.
The victims were identified as Abdullah Syarapi Abd Rahman, 45, and Muhammad Yusri Udin, 38.
They received treatment at Narathiwat Hospital in Thailand before being transferred to Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II in Kelantan the following morning.
A Malaysian driving a Malaysian-registered vehicle was injured in a bomb blast on 29 June.
Image via New Straits TimesMohd Yusoff acknowledged that the decision to travel ultimately rests with each individual
He, however, stressed that travellers should assess the risks before heading to southern Thailand.
"If you ask me, reduce your visits to southern Thailand. Instead, support tourism destinations within our own country," he said.
One of the victims, Abdullah Syarapi, said he was grateful to have escaped with his life.
Image via New Straits Times