BUKIT KAYU HITAM, JULY 10 — Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, together with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, today officiated the opening of a new road alignment connecting the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam with the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Sadao, Thailand, marking another milestone in strengthening bilateral connectivity and economic cooperation.
Speaking after the ceremony, Anwar said the new road connection reflects the shared commitment of Malaysia and Thailand to enhance cross-border relations, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and improve the efficiency of one of Southeast Asia’s busiest land trade corridors.
He noted that the Bukit Kayu Hitam–Sadao route plays a vital role as the busiest land gateway for trade between the two countries, with the upgraded infrastructure expected to boost trade flows, attract investments and support regional economic growth.
During the bilateral meeting, Malaysia and Thailand also agreed to expedite the development of the Special Border Economic Zone, resolve outstanding technical matters, and strengthen cooperation towards achieving the USD30 billion bilateral trade target by 2027.
Anwar said the benefits of the initiative would extend beyond the border areas, driving economic growth in Kedah, Perlis, Penang, Perak and Kelantan through increased trade, logistics activities, tourism development, investment opportunities and job creation.
He added that the initiative reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to ensuring that strategic international partnerships deliver tangible benefits to the people.
Anwar also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to working closely with Thailand to further strengthen bilateral relations, promote regional peace and prosperity, and create lasting economic opportunities for the people of both nations.
— MINUTESMY
