No plans for SEZ along M'sia-Thai border, says ministry
PETALING JAYA : There are currently no plans to establish a special economic zone (SEZ) or financial free zone (FFZ) along the Malaysia-Thailand border, including in Padang Besar, the economy ministry says.
The ministry said it had identified and developed several border economic areas in states like Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Perak, featuring initiatives like the Kedah Rubber City, the eight border SEZs, and the Northern Corridor Highway project.
'At present, there are no specific plans to establish an SEZ or FFZ along the Malaysia-Thailand border,' it said in a written parliamentary reply to Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar).
Rushdan had asked whether the government intended to designate Padang Besar as an SEZ or FFZ to boost cross-border trade and investment activities.
The economy ministry also said there were already regional platforms in place, such as the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle and the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Strategy for Development Areas.
However, it said the government remained open to considering and exploring the idea of a border SEZ in the future 'if there is a need and if it brings mutual benefits to both countries'.
The ministry's response was despite an earlier push for closer economic integration with the southern parts of Thailand.
In May last year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and then Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin reportedly discussed the development of SEZs focused on halal industries.
Three months later, Anwar proposed that the private sector be roped in to set up these SEZs with Thailand, which he said could attract more investment.
However, Srettha was removed from office a week later.
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