Malaysia, Thailand expected to conclude Golok River project talks within a month
The proposed widening and deepening of the river mouth aims to reduce flooding in Kelantan and southern Thailand.
Malaysia and Thailand are expected to complete negotiations within a month on widening the Golok River mouth, as the two governments seek to reduce cross-border flooding. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said discussions had progressed and that he hoped to resume talks to settle the matter.
Speaking at the Kelantan State Entrepreneur Revival Scheme launch in Kota Bharu on October 31, Anwar said he had held two rounds of discussions with the Thai government, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, to accelerate the project.
Anwar described widening and deepening the river mouth as an important flood mitigation measure for Kelantan and southern Thailand. He said cooperation between neighbouring countries was needed to address shared problems as well as trade.
He also pledged continued federal assistance for Kelantan’s flood mitigation projects despite high construction costs. He said he had discussed coordination between the federal and state governments with Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.
Separately, Anwar said the government planned to redevelop the surroundings of Rantau Panjang Bridge with the state government. He said progress depended on commitment from both sides, particularly faster land acquisition, and linked the plans to efforts to support socioeconomic growth in the border area.
