ALOR STAR: An enhanced bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and the new Thailand Prime Minister Minister Srettha Thavisin's administration will propel economic growth along the border regions of both neighbouring nations.
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Asian Institute of International Affairs and Diplomacy research fellow Dr Hazmi Mohd Rusli said the mutual agreement reached between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Thai counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Sadao yesterday, is pivotal for the border zones development.
"Mobility is essential for the future development of northern Malaysia and southern Thailand. A joint plan to streamline and minimise waiting times at checkpoints would undoubtedly yield greater economic benefits for both countries.
"However, facilitating mobility does not necessarily imply porous borders. Territorial integrity must be preserved at all costs," he said when contacted today.
Hazmi stressed that agreements to enhance traffic flow, reciprocal approval for vehicle movement, and the proposed bridge construction between Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok should not compromise territorial integrity.
"As members of the United Nations, Malaysia and Thailand must ensure that bilateral agreements prioritise the mutual respect of each other's territorial integrity.
"Southern Thailand and the northern Malaysian Peninsula should not become a haven for criminal activities, such as illegal human trafficking."
He also lauded Srettha's commitment to find solutions to the decades-long conflict with the Malay community in the deep south, as conveyed to Anwar during the bilateral meeting.
"The Thai government must respect the Malay and Muslim culture of the people in the south and create more economic opportunities in the region. Economic development should extend beyond Bangkok to benefit the entire nation," he added.
Meanwhile, UUM maritime affairs and law expert Dr Mohammad Zaki Ahmad said Malaysia could benefit from Thailand's plan to construct a land bridge between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
To maximise the benefit, Zaki suggested the government to develop the country's northern region to facilitate the planned new trade route.
"This could significantly benefit Malaysia, particularly in the western corridor of the peninsula, where we can be a logistical centre with oil refineries, intra-trade ports, storage hubs, and maintenance facilities," he added.
However, he cautioned that such development might come at the expense of other trading ports like Tanjung Pelepas in Johor and Westport in Klang.
Zaki also pointed out potential environmental damage and financial resource challenges associated with the land bridge's development.
"Both Thailand and Malaysia need to carefully study the project's funding, feasibility and potential environmental impact particularly near Langkawi. There is also a reluctance from China to support the project," he added.
Yesterday, Anwar and Srettha held a bilateral meeting in Sadao, Thailand to address unresolved issues related to the border checkpoints in Sadao and Bukit Kayu Hitam.
Anwar was reportedly said Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to resolve pending issues at the border checkpoints in Sadao and Bukit Kayu Hitam in the next two weeks. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/11/983539/anwar-malaysia-and-tha...)
He also said Malaysia will remain committed to facilitate the ongoing peace talks between the Thai authorities and the separatist movement.
Meanwhile, Srettha assured Anwar of Malaysia's involvement in the RM131. 31 billion land bridge project linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans bypassing the Straits of Malacca, assuring that it will benefit Malaysia.
Following the bilateral meeting yesterday, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has issued a statement earlier today that the new road initiative linking Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) and Sadao ICQS in southern Thailand is expected to be ready soon.
He said the new road comprised a two-way six-lane main road spanning 900m and a 300m service road.
