Anwar hopes new road will boost Thailand-Malaysia economies

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is confident that a newly-opened road linking the Bukit Kayu Hitam immigration, customs, quarantine and security complex (ICQS) and the customs, immigration and quarantine complex in Sadao, Thailand, will be a key economic driver in the region.

Speaking at the road’s opening, Anwar said northern Peninsular Malaysia must continue efforts to spur economic development for the benefit of the people in the region.

“I believe there is a similar situation in the south (of Thailand),” he said during the ceremony at the Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS in Kedah.

“This new venture should be used as a foundation to propel the economies of both regions.”

The prime minister also expressed confidence that Malaysia and Thailand could do more to strengthen bilateral trade ties following the opening of the new road, which will facilitate smoother vehicle movement and improve immigration checkpoint operations.

“There is no reason why lorries should have to wait for hours, or why checkpoints should be subjected to unreasonable delays. Therefore, we need faster clearance and reduced costs, which will benefit our people,” he said.

Anwar also highlighted remarks by his Thai counterpart, Anutin Charnvirakul, who said people judge governments based on whether they can deliver results and bring about real change, not on rhetoric and promises alone.

“We (Malaysia) have demonstrated this through the remarkable journey we embarked on with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, where trade has now surpassed RM77 billion.

“I remain very optimistic that with the commitment of your government and Malaysia’s government, we can achieve more,” Anwar added.

He also thanked Anutin for travelling to Bukit Kayu Hitam with him, saying it was uncommon for leaders to visit border areas as they usually prefer to meet in capital cities.

The launch is among the highlights of Anutin’s two-day official visit to Malaysia.

Anutin held a bilateral meeting with Anwar in Putrajaya yesterday to discuss efforts to strengthen Malaysia-Thailand strategic cooperation, including in trade, investment, border security and economic development.

“When I suggested that Anutin come to Bukit Kayu Hitam, he said: ‘Yes, Anwar, why don’t we come down and see for ourselves – including the most remote and underdeveloped areas – how we can contribute to the advancement of these regions.’

“So I salute you, prime minister Anutin. Thank you very much,” he said.