Malaysia Stops Document-Free Travel

From next month, Malaysians who want to go to the Wang Kelian-Wang Prachan market at the Malaysian-Thai border during the weekend must have border passes, local media reported on Monday.

The decision to stop the weekend document-free travel between Wang Kelian, Perlis, Malaysian northern state and Wang Prachan, Thailand, was made for security reasons, deputy Internal Security Minister Mohd Johari Baharum said on Sunday.

At present, Malaysians going to Wang Prachan and Thais entering Wang Kelian need to carry border passes during weekdays, but this ruling is not enforced during weekends.

The measure was also aimed at people entering and remaining in the country illegally, Mohd Johari said.

"People would also smuggle in contraband like drugs, firecrackers or weapons. Thus, the move is necessary in preserving the security and safety of the people as well as the country," the New Straits Times quoted Mohd Johari as saying.

The Thai authorities had welcomed the move, according to Mohd Johari.