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New Straits Times

[UPDATED] Malaysia backs fast-tracking second phase of Asean power grid

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has backed the fast-tracking of the second phase of the Asean Power Grid (APG), which aims to connect Laos, Cambodia and Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. "I agree with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone that we should fast track the second phase to benefit Laos, Cambodia and Thailand into northern Malaya and Singapore," Anwar said, adding that the issue will be raised at the upcoming Asean Leaders' Retreat. Anwar said this after holding a bilateral meeting with Siphandone. The prime minister outlined other key initiatives discussed with his counterpart, including the Perlis Inland Port and Thanaleng Dry Port in Laos, which he said were progressing well and would be operational this year. "We're expanding the facility and have signed a memorandum of understanding with Penang Port, ensuring that the flow of goods from Penang into Perlis and to the inland port in Thanaleng showcases a very important collaboration," Anwar added. He also highlighted discussions on cooperation on port management, labour, digital development, artificial intelligence, semiconductor industries, rare earth and alternative energy. This includes expanding the KTMB-LNRSE Memorandum of Collaboration on the Asean Express train project, which aims to shorten travel time between member countries and China. Anwar said he and his counterpart also discussed Timor-Leste's accession to Asean, which may take place by October, pending consensus from member states in the upcoming days. Additionally, the two leaders discussed issues concerning Myanmar and the importance of continued humanitarian assistance, and called on all parties to respect the need for peace and a ceasefire, emphasising Asean's Five-Point Consensus. Finally, Anwar confirmed plans for future working visits by the Laos prime minister to further boost bilateral ties and private sector collaboration. This morning, Siphandone and his delegation were given an official welcome by Anwar and senior Malaysian officials at Perdana Putra. His visit preceded the 46th Asean Summit, the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur.