KUALA LUMPUR: A recent Malaysian proposal to Thailand could see private companies and startups involved in the development of special economic zones (SEZs) in southern parts of the kingdom, in a bid to boost investment.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the proposal was presented to Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa during a courtesy call on Aug 6.
“Their involvement (private and startup companies) can attract more investment into the SEZ.
“In fact, I also suggest that Kelantan take the opportunity to build business spaces along the Sungai Golok,” he said in a post on Facebook the following day, referring to the river that lies on the border between Malaysia and Thailand.
In the meeting between Mr Anwar and Mr Maris, they also discussed the results of his working visit with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisn to Sungai Golok, Thailand and Rantau Panjang, Kelatan on Aug 3.
During the working visit, the two leaders discussed the rubber sector and the food industry.
In his Facebook post, Mr Anwar said that he and Mr Maris also discussed dredging the Sungai Golok estuary to deal with flood issues.
This would help the communities along the border of the two countries who face flooding problems almost every year.
Mr Anwar also expressed Malaysia’s commitment to the Southern Thailand Peace Dialogue Process.
“Both countries have also agreed for Malaysia to host the seventh Annual Consultation on Sep 19 2024,” he said.
Malaysia is a facilitator for peace talks to end decades of conflict that culminated in January 2004 in the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and parts of Songkhla.
Former National Security Council director-general Mohd Rabin Basir was appointed as the new Malaysian Government Facilitator for the Southern Thailand Peace Dialogue Process effective Jul 1.
The Thai government has made significant strides in developing Special SEZs across 10 regions in the country. These are spread across the provinces of Chiang Rai, Narathiwat, Tak, Nong Khai, Trat, Kanchanaburi, Mukdahan, Songkhla, Sa Kaeo and Nakhon Phanom.
Songkhla and Narathiwat border Malaysia.
The SEZ policy was first launched in 2015 based on the government’s belief in the strong potential of the 10 areas to connect with neighbouring countries in terms of trade, economy and investment.
