Malaysia enhancing cooperation with Thailand for trade, says Liew

The Star

7 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is enhancing strategic cooperation with the Thai government to facilitate smoother movement of goods through northern border checkpoints, says Liew Chin Tong.
The Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said the collaboration aims to support industries such as Kedah Rubber City (KRC), which require efficient logistics to meet export demands.
'MITI remains committed to strengthening strategic cooperation with the Thai government to facilitate the movement of goods across border checkpoints, including through the Durian Burung entry point,' he told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (July 28).
Responding to a question from Nurul Amin Hamid (Perikatan–Padang Terap), Liew said the initiative involves close coordination with various ministries and agencies, including the Finance and Home Ministries, Immigration Department, Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKSEM), and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA).
However, Liew said infrastructure at the ICQS Durian Burung Complex remains insufficient to support large-scale trade, particularly for container-based operations.
To address this, he said the NCIA is spearheading several initiatives, including a feasibility study for a proposed Border Economic Zone to explore economic potential in the Durian Burung area and surrounding regions.
He said other efforts include cooperation under the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) and the Joint Development Strategy (JDS), which focus on sectors such as halal, logistics, rubber, and tourism.
'The JDS specifically aims to enhance connectivity and trade policy coordination, which in turn strengthens the synergy between both countries,' he said.
Liew added that both sides had agreed to improve trade facilitation, including infrastructure upgrades, logistics systems, and streamlined procedures at key border crossings.
'These measures are expected to expedite customs clearance and reduce costs and turnaround time for cross-border goods movement,' he said.
While acknowledging proposals to utilise Thailand's Songkhla Port as an alternative export route, Liew said the government is prioritising domestic ports such as Penang and Kuala Perlis.
'This aligns with our broader strategy to enhance the competitiveness of local ports and ensure the economic benefits reach local communities and industry players,' he said.
He added that his ministry is open to studying proposals and making recommendations to the Finance Ministry to introduce incentives that would encourage higher usage of local ports by investors, particularly those setting up export-oriented manufacturing facilities.