EXTEND ECRL TO SUNGAI GOLOK TO BOOST MALAYSIA-THAILAND TRADE – THAI ENVOY

By Abdul Hamid A Rahman and Mikhail Raj Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- Thailand's ambassador to Malaysia, Lada Phumas, has suggested that Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, which starts in Kota Bharu, be extended to the Sungai Golok border to enhance rail connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia.

She said the connection at the border is crucial for improving trade and logistics between the two neighbours.

“We have a rail station in Sungai Golok for which we must now explore ways to revitalise and utilise so that ECRL can be extended and connected to the rail network on Thailand’s side. From there, it could be connected to Hatyai - the neighbouring border town of Padang Besar on Malaysia’s side, which could facilitate better logistical integration and enhance regional rail connectivity,” she told Bernama in an interview today.

The ambassador said that interconnecting rail systems across the region, linking Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, and China, with the potential for further extensions, will strengthen regional ties. She said the Pan-Asia Railway Network (PARN) project is a key infrastructure initiative, connecting China, Singapore and all countries in mainland Southeast Asia.

Malaysia is actively developing its segment of the network, which aims to establish a continuous double-track railway from Johor Bahru to Padang Besar in Perlis.

Phumas said that such interconnection would promote trade, enhance mobility and deliver substantial economic benefits for both countries. “Improved rail connectivity would provide a more affordable and efficient alternative for freight transport, compared to air and road options,” she said.

In addition to rail connectivity, Phumas said there are opportunities for collaboration between Malaysia and Thailand in the halal industry and related supply chains.

“Thailand can supply ingredients and raw materials that Malaysia may be lacking, while Malaysia can leverage its expertise in halal certification to strengthen and expand the halal supply chain. This collaboration could prove mutually beneficial for both countries and open up significant opportunities in markets, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries,” she added.

She reiterated that this is why the upcoming summit between ASEAN, the GCC and China is crucial, as the GCC and China offer a potentially large market for halal products.

“By aligning the production schedules of both nations, especially in food products, the supply chain could be optimised. This collaboration would not only benefit Malaysia and Thailand but also support the broader region by providing high-quality halal products and addressing food security concerns,” she added.

-- BERNAMA