BANGKOK, June 3 — Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a joint environmental project with Malaysia to reduce flood risks, improve water security, and restore ecosystems in the Sungai Golok Basin, a key transboundary waterway linking the two countries.
The initiative, backed by US$4 million (RM15.9 million) in funding from the Global Environment Facility, will be implemented over 48 months with support from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Deputy Government Spokesman Lalida Persvivatana said the project was jointly developed by Thailand’s National Water Resources Office and Malaysia’s Irrigation and Drainage Department to improve flood management, address riverbank erosion and strengthen transboundary water resources management in the basin.
“The project reflects the commitment of both countries to strengthening environmental security and ensuring the sustainable management of shared water resources,” she said in a statement following the Cabinet meeting yesterday.
Lalida added that the initiative will enhance bilateral cooperation through the development of a shared database, flood and drought risk assessments, and a joint strategic action plan for the river basin.
“It will also promote nature-based solutions to restore ecosystems and reduce the impact of environmental challenges on communities within the basin,” she said.
Sungai Golok forms part of the natural boundary between southern Thailand and northern Peninsular Malaysia and is frequently affected by seasonal flooding, impacting communities on both sides of the border.
