ALOR SETAR: A 900m, six-lane road project linking the immigration, customs, quarantine and security complexes of both Malaysia and Thailand will boost ties and security links between both nations, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.
The Home Minister said that the project between the Bukit Kayu Hitam and Sadao complexes is expected to strengthen ties by facilitating economic and social movements across the border.
The project also demonstrated the ministry’s commitment to ensuring border security while enhancing infrastructure for the country's security forces.
"This route will not only ease the flow of vehicles between Malaysia and Thailand but also improve safety and facilitate smoother movement of heavy, loaded, and public vehicles in this strategic border area,” he said in a Facebook post about his visit to the project site on Thursday (Oct 24).
Also present during the visit were Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman and the Prime Minister's Department Public-Private Partnership Unit director-general Muhammad Razman Abu Samah.
Saifuddin Nasution said that the main scope of the project included the construction of a 900m dual-carriageway with six lanes and a 300m Standard Service Road, which will connect the main road to the tactical headquarters of the General Operations Force (PGA) in Bukit Kayu Hitam.
The project will also involve the demolition and reconstruction of 10 blocks of buildings at the 5th Border Regiment Bukit Kayu Hitam Camp and the construction of a new final control post and roofed gateway, symbolising the connection between the two neighbouring countries.
"The Home Ministry remains committed to ensuring the highest level of national border security, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, which emphasises humanitarian values, compassion, and well-being for all,” he said.
On Nov 27, 2023, during his one-day visit to Sadao, Thailand, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin agreed to expedite the construction of the new road link to boost economic, trade, and tourism activities between the two countries. - Bernama
