Bukit kayu hitam: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Thai counterpart, Anutin Charnvirakul, today officiated the launch of the new road linking the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex with Thailand's Sadao Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Home Ministry (KDN) stated that the launch reflects the strong commitment of both countries to strengthening diplomatic ties, enhancing cross-border strategic cooperation, and improving regional connectivity to promote shared prosperity, security, and the well-being of their people.
The Home Ministry announced that the new road will be open to all road users at 6 am (Malaysia time) tomorrow, while the existing border crossing linking Bukit Kayu Hitam and Danok will be permanently closed from midnight (Malaysia time) tomorrow. This marks a strategic milestone that underscores the success of close cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand in developing a more modern, integrated, and resilient border infrastructure.
KDN emphasized that the new road also symbolizes the longstanding friendship between Malaysia and Thailand, while supporting the ASEAN Connectivity agenda by enhancing the movement of people, trade, investment, and tourism across the region.
The new road is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits to both countries, including strengthening bilateral strategic ties through closer cross-border cooperation and improving connectivity along the ASEAN North-South Economic Corridor. It is also anticipated to facilitate trade, logistics, and supply chains, stimulate economic growth in border areas, improve the efficiency of cross-border travel, and strengthen border security through modern infrastructure and integrated control systems.
KDN expressed confidence that the new road would usher in a new era of Malaysia-Thailand cooperation, supporting cross-border economic growth and enhancing the management of the country's entry points through safer, more efficient, and more transparent border operations.
The Home Ministry also expressed appreciation to all ministries, departments, enforcement agencies, and strategic partners in Malaysia and Thailand that contributed to the successful completion of the high-impact project. In line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, KDN affirmed its commitment to continue strengthening border management through modern infrastructure, technology adoption, and international strategic cooperation to safeguard national security and promote shared prosperity.