BANGKOK: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says Malaysia aims to reduce bureaucratic red tape at its border crossings with Thailand, a move which he said could spur trade between both countries.
He said Malaysia can build up greater trade between the two countries when the problems of bureaucracy are resolved.
“There are four places where Thais and Malaysians cross over – two in Kelantan, one in Kedah and another in Perlis.
“Beyond that, there is also a close relationship between Langkawi and Satun, Thailand, who are receiving visitors from each other.
“This kind of cooperation will build up the wealth of both countries, as trade builds up wealth. We should facilitate trading, especially cross-border trading,” he said.
He was speaking at a joint-press conference with Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha after a restricted meeting between the two, as well as a bilateral meeting at the Government House in Bangkok.
Dr Mahathir is on a two-day official visit to Bangkok.
Dr Mahathir said Malaysia will ensure that the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint will be open for 24 hours to make it easier for both Malaysians and Thais to cross over.
“There will be 24-hour open border crossings both ways,” he said.
Malaysia, he said, will also build two bridges in Tak Bai in Pengkalan Kubur, and Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang to facilitate easier passage for people from both countries and open up cross-border trade.
“There are some problems such as on the alignment of roads but these can be solved between us,” he said.
He said, as for problems such as dual-nationalities, smuggling and human-trafficking, more attention will need to be paid to the border-crossing areas.
