Regional Rail Connectivity Can Enhance Supply Chain
PUTRAJAYA, April 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia-Thailand rail connectivity to the Asian continent, including China, is important in terms of supply chain security and safety, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
He said the development of rail infrastructure is important from a regional perspective, not just domestically, with the aim of connecting ASEAN member countries through a more strategic railway network.
"When we can connect via rail between these countries, first of all, it is regional connectivity and also very important in terms of supply chain security because the world today is experiencing various uncertainties and disruptions," he said.
He told the media after the monthly assembly of the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Raikan Kasih MADANI 2025 event, here today.
Loke said Malaysia, which is located in the middle of the strategic route of the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea, has the advantage of being a link between western and eastern countries.
Therefore, he said the region should make full use of existing railways to improve connectivity.
"We hope that at the ASEAN level there is a consensus so that we can improve this connectivity. When we have improved this connectivity, of course other countries will also be interested, especially landlocked countries," he said.
To realise the Pan-Asian Railway Network, Loke said Malaysia is committed to achieving a policy with Thailand that is more supportive of the development of the rail sector.
Loke said he would meet with Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Juangroongruangkit on May 2 to resolve several issues, including Malaysia's rail cargo services being able to cross borders and become a major mode in the future.
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