Kuala lumpur: The Transport Ministry has been instructed to deliberate on the usage of ports at the Malaysia-Thailand border, as well as in Penang, to bolster infrastructure development and logistics networks in the border region.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim disclosed that transport issues, particularly port usage, were key points of discussion with his Thai counterpart Anutin Charnvirakul during a recent official visit to Malaysia. "On the issue of transport, there is indeed a new route that was inaugurated recently, but we also discussed the issue of railways, and Prime Minister Anutin also mentioned port transport," Anwar stated during Ministerial Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat.
He made these remarks in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah) concerning the government's initiatives to enhance infrastructure and logistics development in the Malaysia-Thailand border area. Anwar emphasized that discussions on the utilization of new ports, such as those in Sanglang and Perlis Inland Port (PIP), aim to maximize economic benefits from the development of the border corridor, alongside considerations for rail transport and tourism.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that the advancement of border regions necessitates support through infrastructure facilities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and business opportunities for the Bumiputera group to ensure that Malay-majority areas are integrated into the broader national development framework.
Addressing another query from Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) regarding potential government targets for local SMEs' participation in regional development, Anwar revealed that the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, along with the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN), are running several entrepreneurship guidance initiatives. Among these is the One District, One Industry (SDSI) programme, which aims to enhance local entrepreneurs' involvement to ensure economic and employment prospects benefit local residents, particularly the youth.
Anwar suggested that in major development areas, such as Bukit Kayu Hitam, the state government should establish facilities similar to those managed by the Kelantan state government, based on government proposals. "The government can provide some funding to create job opportunities for small traders, perhaps around the new Rantau Panjang bridge development area in Kelantan, and to set up stalls, restaurants, and so on for small traders," he noted.
Furthermore, Anwar stressed that large companies should ensure local workforce participation by offering job opportunities and skills training. He cited companies like Infineon at Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah, which have implemented training programmes in collaboration with higher learning institutions to cultivate local talent who are later absorbed into the company based on performance.