Malaysia has called on neighbouring Thailand to tighten up security along their shared border to prevent the illegal entry of Thais into the country.

Deputy Internal Security Minister Noh Omar made the call late Saturday after Malaysia added three armoured cars to patrols along its northern border with Thailand in a bid to deter illegal crossings.

"I believe it would be better if the Thais also increase their border control to prevent their people from entering Malaysia illegally," he was quoted as saying by the state Bernama news agency.

Malaysia has ramped up border security ever since 131 Thai Muslims, mostly from southern Narathiwat province, fled across the border into northern Kelantan state in August, saying they feared for their lives.

Thai deputy minister to visit

The group is currently sheltering in a holding centre in northern Terengganu state and a report yesterday said arrangements were being made for them to meet with Thai officials.

"The matter is being worked out this Ramadan month," Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak was quoted as saying in the Star daily.

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasathidya said last week he would meet with Najib on Oct 25 to discuss the status of the Thai Muslims.

Since January 2004, more than 950 people have been killed in southern Thailand. Authorities blame the violence on a complex web of Islamic separatists, organised crime and local corruption.