BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Thai counterpart, Anutin Charnvirakul, officiated the launch of the new road linking the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex with Thailand's Sadao Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex on Friday (July 10).
In a statement, the Home Ministry said the launch reflects the strong commitment of both countries to strengthening diplomatic ties, enhancing cross-border strategic cooperation and improving regional connectivity to promote shared prosperity, security and the well-being of their people.
"The new road will open to all road users at 6am (Malaysia time) tomorrow (July 11). At the same time, the existing border crossing linking Bukit Kayu Hitam and Danok will be permanently closed from midnight (Malaysia time) tomorrow.
"The opening of the new road marks a strategic milestone that reflects the success of close cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand in developing a more modern, integrated and resilient border infrastructure," the ministry said.
The Ministry said the new road also symbolises the longstanding friendship between Malaysia and Thailand while supporting the ASEAN Connectivity agenda by enhancing the movement of people, trade, investment and tourism across the region.
"The new road is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits to both countries, including strengthening bilateral strategic ties through closer cross-border cooperation and improving connectivity along the ASEAN North-South Economic Corridor.
"It is also expected to facilitate trade, logistics and supply chains, stimulate economic growth in border areas, improve the efficiency of cross-border travel and strengthen border security through modern infrastructure and integrated control systems," the statement read.
The Home Ministry also expressed confidence that the new road would usher in a new era of Malaysia-Thailand cooperation, support cross-border economic growth and enhance the management of the country's entry points through safer, more efficient and more transparent border operations.
It also expressed appreciation to all ministries, departments, enforcement agencies and strategic partners in Malaysia and Thailand that contributed to the successful completion of the high-impact project.
In line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, the ministry said it would continue strengthening border management through modern infrastructure, technology adoption and international strategic cooperation to safeguard national security and promote shared prosperity. - Bernama
