Govt To Speed Up Building Of Concrete Wall Along Thai Border

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- The government plans to expedite the construction of a new concrete wall along the Malaysia-Thailand border to enhance border control efficiency and safeguard national security.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the project would focus on high-risk areas, particularly from Chuping to Padang Besar in Perlis, to replace the existing barbed wire fencing that has deteriorated and is easily breached.

However, Dr Zaliha said approval for the border security fence construction project must be submitted to the Economy Ministry through the National Security Council (MKN).

“The MADANI Government has approved an allocation of RM327 million to implement new development projects and upgrade existing walls or security fences along the Malaysia-Thailand border involving the states of Perlis, Kedah and Perak.

“The project is expected to cover a total length of 110.7 kilometres, focusing on areas identified as suitable from technical and security aspects,” she said during the special chamber session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Dr Zaliha was responding to a question from Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar) on the urgent need to upgrade infrastructure and security facilities along the Malaysia-Thailand border.

Apart from physical border wall construction, Dr Zaliha said the government also prioritises the welfare and preparedness of security personnel stationed at border posts, including improving basic amenities such as the supply of clean water.

She acknowledged that the amount of clean water delivered and stored in tanks remained insufficient, causing many security posts to rely on rainwater collection or untreated river sources.

As such, she said under the first phase, RM20 million has been allocated under the Fifth Rolling Plan (RP5) of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for the implementation of clean and treated water pipeline projects.

“The government is giving serious attention to improving basic infrastructure to ensure that security personnel no longer face challenges such as limited access to clean water.

“These improvements will enhance comfort, resilience and readiness among security personnel in carrying out their duties to defend the nation’s sovereignty,” she said.

-- BERNAMA