Photo: Bernama
THE government plans to expedite the construction of a new concrete wall along the Malaysia-Thailand border to enhance border control efficiency and safeguard national security, says Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
She said the project would focus on high-risk areas, particularly from Chuping to Padang Besar in Perlis, to replace the existing barbed wire fencing.
However, Dr Zaliha said approval for the border security fence construction project must be submitted to the Economy Ministry through the National Security Council.
“The government has approved an allocation of RM327mil to implement new development projects and upgrade existing walls or security fences along the Malaysia-Thailand border involving the states of Perlis, Kedah and Perak.
“The project is expected to cover a total length of 110.7km, focusing on areas identified as suitable from technical and security aspects,” the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) said during the special chamber session in the Dewan Rakyat, Bernama reported.
Apart from physical border wall construction, she said the government also prioritises the welfare and preparedness of security personnel stationed at border posts, including improving basic amenities such as the supply of clean water.
She acknowledged that the amount of clean water delivered and stored in tanks remained insufficient, causing many security posts to rely on rainwater collection or untreated river sources.
She said under the first phase, RM20mil has been allocated under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan for the implementation of clean and treated water pipeline projects.
“These improvements will enhance comfort, resilience and readiness among security personnel in carrying out their duties to defend the nation’s sovereignty.”
