BORDER BRIDGES TO BOOST TRADE WITH THAILAND
To be built across Tak Bai in Pengkalan Kubor and Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang
THE development of two “friendship” bridges along the Malaysian-Thai border in the state will boost the two nations’ economies. Thai Consul-General to Kota Baru Mongkol Sinsomboon said the construction of the bridges across Tak Bai in Pengkalan Kubor and Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang would promote growth subsequently improving the lives of residents.
“It (construction of the bridges) is a strategic decision for both countries. We hope this infrastructure development project will boost the value of trade and investments for Malaysia and Thailand even during an economic slowdown.
“The cooperation among Asean countries will cushion the impact of economic uncertainties,” he said after a luncheon with local media at his office here yesterday.
He said this cooperation could achieve its goal only with the commitment and support of stakeholders, including media organisations in the country, as well as residents in Kelantan.
He said strong support from locals would improve cross-border economic activities.
During Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail’s visit to Bangkok last month, she said she would discuss the status of the bridge construction with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
A high-level committee comprising officials from the Malaysian and Thai governments will hold a technical meeting in Kuala Lumpur next month to discuss project details.
Dr Wan Azizah said the two countries had agreed to build the bridges to boost border connectivity.
Mongkol allayed fears of Malaysians who wanted to travel to Southern Thailand, including Narathiwat and Songkhla, which were hit by bomb attacks last month.
He said Thai authorities had beefed up security following the attacks, which also hit Samila Beach.