ALOR SETAR: A new Malaysia-Thailand border crossing has been proposed in Belantik, Kedah, potentially opening another gateway for cross-border travel and tourism in the state's interior.
Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor disclosed the proposal during a visit to the newly developed Mong Gajah Recreational Park on the shores of Pedu Lake.
He said the proposed crossing could be connected through the Tekih route or the Trans Eastern Kedah Interland Highway, stretching from Padang Sanai in Padang Terap to Batu 42 in Baling.
"There is a proposal to open a border crossing in Belantik, which is not very far away," he said, according to Kedah's Darul Aman Information Secretariat on Wednesday (Nov 11).
Sanusi did not elaborate on the status of the proposal, its precise location or whether discussions had been held with Thai authorities.
Malaysia and Thailand have seven established road border crossings along the northern peninsula, with another crossing by river at Pengkalan Kubor in Kelantan.
The road crossings are at Wang Kelian and Padang Besar in Perlis, Bukit Kayu Hitam and Durian Burung in Kedah, Pengkalan Hulu in Perak and Bukit Bunga and Rantau Panjang in Kelantan.
There is a railway crossing at Padang Besar.
Sanusi raised the Belantik proposal while outlining plans to turn Mong Gajah Recreational Park into a major ecotourism attraction.
He said its location near the Thai border offered opportunities to attract visitors from the neighbouring country.
The park, developed by the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), is 96% complete and expected to be handed over to the Padang Terap District Council in December.
"I believe it will become a new iconic tourist attraction in Kedah," he said.
Among its attractions are a 10m-high observation tower offering panoramic views of Pedu Lake, Gunung Kerangga and the mountain ranges along the Malaysia-Thailand border.
A 700m boardwalk through the forest will give visitors another way to explore the surroundings.
Sanusi said the observation tower was designed with gently sloping stairways to make it accessible to visitors of different ages.
The park has gazebos, prayer rooms, toilets, an information kiosk and parking facilities for cars and bicycles.
He said the development would be carried out in four zones, with the district council taking over management and introducing more tourism activities.
"Once the park opens to the public, various activities will be introduced, including ATV rides. Several others are being planned," he said.
An international gathering of Land Rover enthusiasts from across Asia is scheduled to take place there in January.
Sanusi said the changing water levels of Pedu Lake would add to the park's appeal.
He said the lake was currently at about 40% capacity and rising water levels would bring the shoreline closer to the recreational park.
"There are mounds in the lake that appear like islands. Inland fishermen use them for shelter during storms.
"Visitors will be able to enjoy all these views. It is very beautiful," he said.
