PATTANI, April 10 — The railway service extension project from Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, Kelantan in Malaysia to Sungai Golok, Narathiwat, Thailand is set to strengthen the transport sector and bilateral trade between the two countries.
Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand, Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, stated that the project, which is currently under consideration by the Malaysian government, is expected to strengthen supply chains and facilitate the movement of goods.
However, he said Thailand has begun a feasibility study and environmental impact assessment as part of the expansion of the country’s double-track railway project.
“If realised, the route will improve the efficiency of cross-border cargo transport, reduce logistics costs, and speed up the delivery of goods between Malaysia, Thailand, and the Indochina countries.
“Trains are the most efficient mode of transport for bulk cargo. They can boost trade capacity and strengthen the role of Malaysia and Thailand in the regional supply chain,” he told Bernama.
Wan Zaidi said that improved rail connectivity will open up new opportunities for commodity trade and the manufacturing industry, as well as facilitate market access for small and medium-sized enterprises in border areas.
At the same time, he stated that the strategic location of Southern Thailand, which borders Malaysia, continues to support cross-border interactions involving trade, tourism, education, and social relations.
Wan Zaidi made an official visit to Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat from April 7 to 10, marking his first visit to southern Thailand since his appointment last year.
During the visit, he held meetings with the governors of all three provinces, as well as with agencies responsible for development, security, and religious affairs, to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
