Latest news with #ICQS
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Aidiladha rush causes heavy congestion at Malaysia–Thailand border
RANTAU PANJANG: Heavy congestion has gripped the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex at the border crossing here, as Thai nationals make their way home to celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha. Checks at the border crossing found travellers queuing as early as 5am, although the gates only opened at 7am. The large crowd began massing at the border since Wednesday. Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Aidiladha on June 7. Traffic leading to the complex stretched for more than one kilometre, with long queues of vehicles inching forward throughout the day. The crowd largely comprised Thai citizens heading home for the holidays. Thai national Sukri Mamat, 26, who works in Kuala Lumpur, said he was looking forward to seeing his loved ones in Narathiwat after a long journey. "I got a week's leave and wanted to celebrate Aidiladha with my family in Narathiwat. By the time I arrived at 5am, there was already a long queue waiting for the ICQS to open," said Sukri. He added that such congestion was not unusual at this time of year. "Every festive season, it's like this. Despite the fatigue from travelling and waiting, I'm excited to reunite with my family," he said. However, some Malaysians were also travelling into southern Thailand for a short getaway during the school break and festive weekend. Local resident Ismail Ahmad, 42, was also among those making the early morning crossing, this time for leisure. "We decided to take the opportunity to visit Pattani for a short break," he said. Ismail said the trip was mainly for sightseeing and to enjoy Thai cuisine. "We just want to walk around and enjoy the food. We'll head back tomorrow," he said.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ECRL extension to Sungai Golok would complete eastern ASEAN rail link
KUALA LUMPUR: Extending the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from Kota Bharu to Sungai Golok would complete the missing eastern corridor of the Singapore–Kunming Rail Link (SKRL), unlocking Malaysia's strategic potential in cross-border logistics, an expert said. Malaysia Institute of Transport (MiTRANS) director and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) associate professor Dr Wan Mazlina Wan Mohamed said the extension would connect to Thailand's planned Hat Yai–Sungai Kolok rail upgrades. 'This can create an alternative and resilient land bridge between Port Klang, Kuantan Port, and onward to Kunming via southern Thailand. 'While the western alignment of the SKRL already runs through Padang Besar and Hat Yai, the eastern corridor via Kelantan remains disconnected,' she told Bernama. She was responding to a recent suggestion by Thailand's ambassador to Malaysia, Lada Phumas, who suggested that Malaysia's ECRL project, which starts in Kota Bharu, be extended to the Sungai Golok border to enhance rail connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia. Wan Mazlina said the ECRL extension would enhance regional rail integration and support the ASEAN Master Plan on Connectivity 2025. 'Streamlined border facilities, including upgraded immigration, customs, quarantine and security (ICQS) posts, would be critical to facilitating smoother trade and cross-border movement,' she noted. On the economic front, she said improved connectivity would support Kelantan's development goals under the Tanah Merah-Tumpat Corridor and help the state attract RM9.5 billion in private investment by 2025. 'The project also aligns with Malaysia's National Logistics Policy 2030, particularly its objective to increase rail's modal share in freight transport and strengthen the East Coast's competitiveness within regional supply chains,' she said. In terms of transport economics, Wan Mazlina noted that rail freight is approximately 30 per cent cheaper than road transport for bulk cargo. With the extension, the transit time between Kota Bharu and Bangkok could be reduced from 24 hours to just 12. However, she cautioned that while the benefits are compelling, Malaysia must carefully assess the financial viability of the extension, with costs potentially exceeding RM2.0 billion due to greenfield construction and the necessary border infrastructure. 'Other national priorities, such as the ECRL Phase 2 to Penang or the Sabah-Sarawak link, must also be weighed in the cost-benefit analysis. 'Implementation challenges, including land acquisition in flood-prone areas, the need to bridge the Golok River, and environmental concerns involving wetlands in Tumpat must also be considered,' she said. The associate professor said that if planned and executed strategically, this extension could be the catalyst that transforms Malaysia's East Coast into a dynamic trade and logistics corridor for the wider ASEAN and Indo-Pacific region.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ECRL-SKRL link via Sungai Golok could boost trade route
KUALA LUMPUR: Extending the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from Kota Bharu to Sungai Golok would complete the missing eastern corridor of the Singapore–Kunming Rail Link (SKRL), unlocking Malaysia's strategic potential in cross-border logistics, an expert said. Malaysia Institute of Transport (MiTRANS) director and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) associate professor Dr Wan Mazlina Wan Mohamed said the extension would connect to Thailand's planned Hat Yai–Sungai Kolok rail upgrades. 'This can create an alternative and resilient land bridge between Port Klang, Kuantan Port, and onward to Kunming via southern Thailand. 'While the western alignment of the SKRL already runs through Padang Besar and Hat Yai, the eastern corridor via Kelantan remains disconnected,' she told Bernama. She was responding to a recent suggestion by Thailand's ambassador to Malaysia, Lada Phumas, who suggested that Malaysia's ECRL project, which starts in Kota Bharu, be extended to the Sungai Golok border to enhance rail connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia. Wan Mazlina said the ECRL extension would enhance regional rail integration and support the ASEAN Master Plan on Connectivity 2025. 'Streamlined border facilities, including upgraded immigration, customs, quarantine and security (ICQS) posts, would be critical to facilitating smoother trade and cross-border movement,' she noted. On the economic front, she said improved connectivity would support Kelantan's development goals under the Tanah Merah-Tumpat Corridor and help the state attract RM9.5 billion in private investment by 2025. 'The project also aligns with Malaysia's National Logistics Policy 2030, particularly its objective to increase rail's modal share in freight transport and strengthen the East Coast's competitiveness within regional supply chains,' she said. In terms of transport economics, Wan Mazlina noted that rail freight is approximately 30 per cent cheaper than road transport for bulk cargo. With the extension, the transit time between Kota Bharu and Bangkok could be reduced from 24 hours to just 12. However, she cautioned that while the benefits are compelling, Malaysia must carefully assess the financial viability of the extension, with costs potentially exceeding RM2.0 billion due to greenfield construction and the necessary border infrastructure. 'Other national priorities, such as the ECRL Phase 2 to Penang or the Sabah-Sarawak link, must also be weighed in the cost-benefit analysis. 'Implementation challenges, including land acquisition in flood-prone areas, the need to bridge the Golok River, and environmental concerns involving wetlands in Tumpat must also be considered,' she said. The associate professor said that if planned and executed strategically, this extension could be the catalyst that transforms Malaysia's East Coast into a dynamic trade and logistics corridor for the wider ASEAN and Indo-Pacific region.
The Star
15-05-2025
- The Star
Kedah police seize over RM1.6mil in cannabis, two arrested
ALOR SETAR: Police have seized 45.5kg of cannabis worth over RM1.6mil and arrested two men suspected of smuggling them into the country at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex on Wednesday (May 14). Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh said the suspects, a 29-year-old local man and a Thai national in his 50s, were arrested at 5pm, before police discovered 80 compressed packets believed to contain cannabis in a pickup truck bearing Thai licence plates that the suspects were travelling in. "Further checks uncovered two suitcases placed in the cargo area, each containing 40 transparent compressed plastic packets filled with dried leaves suspected to be cannabis buds. "The total seizure is estimated to be worth RM1.6mil on the black market. In Thailand, the price is around 100,000 Baht per kg, while in Malaysia it is valued at RM36,000 per kg. 'We believe their modus operandi involves the use of luggage bags. If we hadn't inspected the bags, they could have passed through as they used a legitimate entry route," he said in a press conference here on Thursday. He added that this is the first cannabis seizure in Kedah this year, and investigations show that the drugs were likely intended for distribution in the Klang Valley and Johor. Investigations also revealed that the local suspect acted as a drug transporter and admitted to smuggling drugs from Thailand into Malaysia multiple times via the Bukit Kayu Hitam and Sungai Golok, Kelantan borders, for payments ranging from RM1,000 to RM2,000 per trip. "The suspect also has three prior drug-related offences, and a urine test confirmed he was positive for methamphetamine. Meanwhile, the Thai man, who works as a taxi driver in Danok, Thailand, tested negative and has no criminal record," he said. Fisol said both suspects are currently remanded for seven days until May 21 to assist investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. He added that following the arrests, police have tracked down other individuals believed to be the masterminds of the smuggling syndicate, and the Johor Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) successfully apprehended two more suspects on Thursday. He added that a man in his 30s with seven prior narcotics offences and other criminal convictions, and a 38-year-old woman with no prior record, were arrested on Thursday in Johor to be brought to Kedah for further investigation. "We are not just focusing on distribution and drug abuse, but also on the supply chain. This is a significant success for the Kedah police contingent," he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Saifuddin confirms second 'Friendship Bridge' project on track
RANTAU PANJANG: The agreement between Malaysia and Thailand to construct the second "Friendship Bridge" remains unchanged, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the current bridge, built in 1973, has served as a vital cross-border link for more than five decades. "In 2025, both nations are moving forward with plans to build a new structure to enhance connectivity and support regional development," he told reporters here today. Saifuddin said preparations on Malaysia's side involve three key components. "The first involves the Home Ministry (KDN), which is responsible for developing a new Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex. "The second component, led by the Public Works Ministry (KKR), involves determining whether a new access road is needed or if the existing route will be upgraded," he said. He added that the Transport Ministry is the third key player, as Thailand has proposed extending its railway service from Bangkok to Rantau Panjang. "In the most recent meeting between the Malaysian and Thai transport ministers, Thailand expressed its desire for its railway track to terminate in Rantau Panjang. "At the same time, the Kelantan government has requested that the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) be extended from Tunjong to Rantau Panjang to ensure better connectivity," he said. He explained that KDN's responsibilities also include addressing the old railway bridge, which forms part of the overall border infrastructure planning. On land acquisition, Saifuddin said several plots must still be secured before ICQS construction can proceed. "This is our current priority," he said. When asked whether the project would proceed, Saifuddin confirmed: "Yes, it will go ahead. On our end, KKR is in the final stages of appointing a contractor, and the same process is happening on the Thai side." He said the construction timeline would be coordinated by the relevant agencies from both countries. During his working visit to Bangkok on April 17, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, for helping to realise the bridge project. Anwar noted that the second Rantau Panjang–Sungai Golok bridge had long been discussed between the two countries, and is now being realised under Paetongtarn's leadership. The bridge, dubbed the "Friendship Bridge", is expected to cost RM40.54 million and be completed by 2028. The cost will be shared equally by both governments.
