Malaysia and Thailand edge closer to border economic zone plan

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — The proposal for the development of the Malaysia-Thailand Border Economic Zone (BEZ) will be negotiated bilaterally with Thailand before being implemented, said the Ministry of Economy.

According to the ministry, the negotiations will be held through the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Strategy for the Border Areas Committee platform or other appropriate bilateral platforms.

“As part of the Madani Government’s efforts to bridge regional gaps through a more focused development agenda, the implementation of this BEZ is expected to directly benefit the people by creating job opportunities and enhancing local business activities,” said the ministry in a written response published on the Parliament website yesterday.

The reply was in response to Datuk Fathul Huzir Ayob’s (PN-Gerik) question regarding the status of Pengkalan Hulu as a border hub or a Malaysia-Thailand BEZ.

The ministry said a study had been conducted through the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) and was now at the stage of review and engagement with all relevant ministries and agencies.

“Based on the study, the areas to be covered in Perak include the strategic border gate area at Bukit Berapit, Pengkalan Hulu,” the ministry said.

It added the Thai government was finalising a similar study in collaboration with the World Bank to assess the potential for regional development in the border areas with Malaysia. — Bernama