KOTA BARU: Malaysia and Thailand are expected to finalise negotiations on the Sungai Golok estuary project within a month to help mitigate flooding in Kelantan and southern Thailand.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had had two rounds of discussions with the Thai government, including with its new prime minister, to expedite efforts to resolve the issue.
He said maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries was crucial to ensuring smooth cooperation, particularly in addressing cross-border issues and promoting peace.
“I have had discussions twice with Thailand, including with its new prime minister, to expedite the matter.
“This is why we need to maintain good relations with our neighbours to ensure that cooperation can proceed smoothly,” he said.
He was speaking at the launch of the Skim Usahawan Bangkit Negeri Kelantan here today.
Also present was Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.
Anwar said the project involved addressing erosion, as well as widening and deepening the river to improve water flow and reduce flooding.
He said resolving the issue at the Sungai Golok estuary would require close cooperation between the Malaysian and Thai governments.
“I hope we can finalise the matter within a month to reduce the impact of floods in Kelantan and southern Thailand,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Kelantan government, particularly the state secretary, for expediting the land acquisition process to facilitate the project.
Anwar said he hoped the initiative would usher in a new chapter of development for Rantau Panjang, which had been affected by recurring floods.
He said he would hold further discussions with the Thai government within the next month to ensure progress.
The prime minister was on a one-day working visit to Kelantan.