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Motorists travelling between Malaysia and Thailand will begin using a new border route from tomorrow, 11 July
The new road linking the Bukit Kayu Hitam border complex in Kedah with Thailand's new Sadao Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex was jointly launched today, 10 July, by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Thai counterpart, Anutin Charnvirakul.
According to the Home Ministry, the new route will open to all road users at 6am on 11 July, while the existing border crossing connecting Bukit Kayu Hitam and Danok will be permanently closed from midnight on the same day.
The ministry described the opening as a strategic milestone that reflects the close cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand in developing a more modern, integrated, and resilient border infrastructure, according to the New Straits Times.
The new road is expected to improve the movement of people, goods, and services between the two countries
The ministry said that it is also expected to support trade, investment, tourism, and regional connectivity under the ASEAN Connectivity agenda.
The ministry added that the project is also expected to strengthen cross-border cooperation, improve connectivity along the ASEAN North-South Economic Corridor, facilitate trade, logistics, and supply chains, stimulate economic activity in border areas, and improve cross-border travel efficiency.
In addition, it said the new infrastructure will strengthen border security through modern facilities and integrated control systems, enabling safer, more efficient, and more transparent management of the country's entry points.
The Home Ministry also thanked the ministries, government agencies, enforcement authorities, and strategic partners from both Malaysia and Thailand that contributed to the completion of the project.
It added that Malaysia will continue strengthening border management through modern infrastructure, technology adoption, and strategic international cooperation in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani.
