Malaysians still visiting Sungai Golok after Tak Bai blast, but avoiding longer trips

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 — Malaysians are continuing to visit Sungai Golok in southern Thailand following Monday’s bomb blast in Tak Bai, although many are choosing to limit their trips to the border town over security concerns, according to Sinar Harian.

The Malay daily reported that a 27-year-old Malaysian, who identified herself only as Aleeya Mustafa, said she still felt safe visiting Sungai Golok despite keeping a close watch on the security situation in southern Thailand.

“So far, we still dare to come to Sungai Golok town and feel safe.

“We’re used to coming here to shop and eat. But since the bomb incident, we don’t dare travel any further. It’s enough just to stay in Sungai Golok,” she was quoted as saying yesterday.

Another visitor, Siti Rohani Harun, 43, from Kuala Besut, Terengganu, said she and her family normally travelled to Pattani and Narathiwat every month for food.

However, she said they decided to remain in Sungai Golok this time following the explosion that injured two Malaysians in Tak Bai.

“Today we’re just eating in Sungai Golok town. We’re worried after the bomb blast that happened to Malaysians on Monday. Besides, we won’t be here long. After eating and shopping at the convenience store, we’ll head home,” she said.

According to Sinar Harian, the usually busy border town appeared quieter than normal, with fewer Malaysian visitors compared with previous weekends.

A 24-year-old convenience store employee, Rokeah Abedullah, said customer numbers had declined since the bombing.

“Today is a little quieter than usual. Perhaps Malaysians are still worried about coming here after the incident,” she said.