Malaysia, Thailand agree to expedite implementation of infrastructure projects at border - Fadillah

BANGKOK: Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to expedite the implementation of infrastructure projects especially at the border to enhance trade activities and relations between the people of the two countries.

Senior Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said Malaysia and Thailand see the importance of ensuring that infrastructure projects at the border are given serious attention.

The projects include the construction of the Rantau Panjang - Sungai Golok Bridge; Pengkalan Kubor - Tak Bai Bridge; and the road alignment connecting the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex and the new Sadao Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Songkhla.

"Negotiations between Malaysia and Thailand for these projects have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic," he told Bernama.

He added that Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his Thai counterpart Prayuth Chan o-cha in February, agreed that both countries should speed up negotiations for the implementation of these projects.

Fadillah who is currently on a working visit to Bangkok, Thailand had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan on Friday and Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob on Thursday.

This working visit aims to discuss efforts to further enhance cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand regarding the implementation of infrastructure projects involving both countries.

Meanwhile, Fadillah said Prawit also raised the issue of the border fence - a single barrier fencing - between the two countries, especially at the Golok River.

"This matter will be referred to Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein," he said.

-- BERNAMA