NCIA plans to set Bukit Kayu Hitam as tourist spot

The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) has planned to develop Bukit Kayu Hitam at the border between Kedah and Thailand as a tourist destination.

Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) special adviser to the prime minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum said the NCIA was identifying several tourism projects for a 283-ha site earmarked for the development which would create jobs for the local community.

"Right now we only have a duty-free area in Bukit Kayu Hitam. We see many Malaysians travel across the border to Thailand for shopping. Now, it's time for us to woo Thais to our side of the border.

"We will hold discussions with the management of the free trade zone, government agencies and local leaders soon on these projects," he told reporters at the breaking of fast here last night.

NCIA chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak said the project would be led by the private sector.

"It is the best approach to develop Bukit Kayu Hitam as the private sector had been successful in investing in rural development," he added.