Latest news with #SecondRantauPanjang
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia, Thailand strengthen cross-border disaster preparedness
LONDON: Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to strengthen cross-border disaster preparedness efforts, particularly in managing flood risks along Sungai Golok. This follows a bilateral meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his Thai counterpart, Anutin Charnvirakul on June 4. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Eighth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, raised concerns over severe flooding in Kelantan, attributed to excessive water discharge from completed flood mitigation projects on the Thai side of the border. The overflow has reportedly damaged river embankments and caused water levels in Kelantan to rise beyond normal thresholds. To mitigate future incidents, particularly ahead of the Northeast Monsoon expected to begin in November, Ahmad Zahid proposed a formal early-warning mechanism. Under the proposal, Thailand would notify Malaysian authorities at least three to four days prior to any planned water releases from its dams. "Alhamdulillah, the Thai side has agreed to this proposal, and an early notification system will be established to safeguard the wellbeing of people on both sides of the border," Ahmad Zahid said in a statement on Thursday (June 5). He described the agreement as a crucial first step towards more robust cross-border disaster preparedness and response strategies. In addition to flood mitigation, both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to infrastructure development along the border. Ahmad Zahid welcomed the recent signing of the agreement for the construction of the Second Rantau Panjang–Sungai Golok Bridge. He also expressed support for scheduled river deepening works and the construction of river embankments at the Sungai Golok estuary, which are expected to commence in October this year. "These steps underscore the strong commitment of both nations to enhancing disaster preparedness and border security. May the close ties between Malaysia and Thailand continue to grow for the benefit of our people," he said.
Barnama
04-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Three Key Ministries Lead New Malaysia-Thailand Border Bridge Project
PASIR MAS, May 4 (Bernama) — Three federal ministries will play key roles in the construction of a new bridge connecting Malaysia and Thailand, particularly across Sungai Golok, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), Ministry of Works (KKR), and Ministry of Transport will collaborate in the project to replace the existing structure that has been in operation since 1973, in line with a bilateral agreement between both countries. 'KDN is responsible for developing a new Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex, while KKR is overseeing the road infrastructure linking the bridge to Rantau Panjang, either via a new alignment or upgrades to existing roads,' he told reporters after a working visit to the ICQS complex in Rantau Panjang today. He added that the Ministry of Transport is involved in Thailand's proposal to extend its railway services from Bangkok to Rantau Panjang. 'The Kelantan government has also requested that the ECRL station be extended from Tunjong to Rantau Panjang to enhance rail connectivity between the two countries,' he said. 'This project's success requires high-level policy coordination among the three ministries. At KDN, our immediate focus is on resolving land acquisition issues to ensure its smooth progress,' he said. He also noted that KKR is in the final stages of appointing a contractor for the Malaysian side, while the Thai authorities are undergoing a similar process. During his official visit to Bangkok on April 17, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, for her commitment to realising the construction of the Second Rantau Panjang–Sungai Golok Bridge. Subsequently, Minister of Works Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the project comprises a new 117.3-metre bridge and the upgrading of the current one linking Rantau Panjang in Malaysia and Sungai Kolok in Thailand.
