(CTN News) – Malaysia is to invest 100 million ringgit (770 million baht) in three Thailand border states to enhance border security and promote trade.
Malaysia will pay 100 million ringgit (770 million baht) to improve facilities in three Thai border states, as the two countries resolve to improve border security and increase commerce.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim approved a budget of 100 million ringgit on Tuesday to improve security in Kedah, Perlis, and Kelantan states, which border southern Thai provinces.
The declaration came ahead of his conference with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, which is scheduled for Saturday in two border towns. Mr Anwar told the Bernama news agency that the conference will be conducted in Narathiwat’s Sungai Kolok district and Kelantan’s Rantu Panjang.
Investment Details for Border States with Thailand
“There is a need for improvement in the northern peninsula,” Mr Anwar said. Border security would be discussed, as well as efforts to enhance border trade between southern Thailand and northern Malaysia, he said.
Bangkok has requested Malaysian assistance in monitoring the movement of southern insurgents, while Kuala Lumpur is ramping up measures against petrol and diesel smuggling into Thailand, as well as illegal workers in Malaysia.
On Monday night, Malaysian immigration officers arrested 62 Thais working unlawfully at 10 Thai eateries in Ipoh, the state capital of Perak, according to the New Straits Times online.
Three Thai toddlers as young as two years old were among those seized, the report said.
Malaysians refer to Thai restaurants as Tom Yum Kung eateries.
Two Thai nationals were arrested in Kedah on Saturday for allegedly attempting to smuggle cheap petrol from Malaysia to Thailand using modified vehicles.
Source: Bangkok Post
