BANGKOK, May 24 — Malaysia has allocated approximately RM3 billion for the Golok River Mouth Improvement Project, a strategic cross-border initiative with Thailand aimed at mitigating flood risks, safeguarding local communities, and enhancing national security.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the government has initiated comprehensive measures as part of the collaboration with Thailand.
Speaking as the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, he said the total funding for the project, including the flood mitigation programme and the security wall under the National Security Council (MKN), is estimated at approximately RM3 billion.
“We have informed the Thai government that Malaysia has approved a location for dredging works, while simultaneously undertaking improvements to Sungai Golok, including the construction of a river wall. This is not merely a flood mitigation initiative but also a security measure for our nation.
“This project will address flood mitigation comprehensively and, upon completion, is expected to significantly reduce flood incidents and the associated losses of property, assets, and livelihoods, not only for the local population but also for businesses and government infrastructure," Fadillah told Bernama at the end of his four-day working visit to Thailand today.
He added that while parts of the project are awaiting final approval from the Thai authorities, the estimated timeline for completion is three years from the commencement date.
Meanwhile, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) had completed feasibility studies on a plan to upgrade their existing power interconnection facilities between the two nations.
Fadillah said both countries acknowledge that the interconnection, commissioned in the early 2000s, is ageing and needs an upgrade.
"As Malaysia and Thailand continue to integrate more renewable energy into our grids, the reliability of our interconnection becomes even more critical. This interconnection upgrade will facilitate more efficient and secure cross-border electricity exchanges while laying the groundwork for future multilateral electricity trade under the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) initiative," he said.
During his working visit, Fadillah also expressed his appreciation to the Thai government for its warm hospitality.
"This has been a productive and successful trip, as we managed to discuss numerous government-to-government projects," he said.
During his four-day working visit to Thailand, the Deputy Prime Minister made courtesy calls to Thai Deputy Prime Minister cum the Minister of Digital Economy and Society and the Chair of the National Environment Board Prasert Jantararuangtong, as well as Thai Deputy Prime Minister cum Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga.
Fadillah also met with Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Narumon Pinyosinwat.
He attended a briefing session by Trans Thai-Malaysia (TTM) in Thailand, hosted by Petronas, to gain insights into the company’s strategic direction, challenges, and developments in the country.
Meanwhile, Fadillah visited a water treatment and recycling facility in Chonburi to explore best practices in green innovation and efficient resource management within the industrial sector.
During his visit, he also engaged with members of the Malaysian diaspora in Thailand at a meet-and-greet dinner, which included a dialogue session.
— Bernama
