Government to Propose Building Wall Along Malaysia-Thailand Border
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Calls for Enhanced Border Security
KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government will propose to the federal government to build a wall along the Malaysia-Thailand border near the state, stated Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan.
The construction of the nearly 100-kilometre wall is deemed crucial to combat smuggling activities and control floods. According to Dr Fadzli, the authorities face significant challenges in monitoring unlawful activities due to the vastness of the border.
Border Security and Smuggling
The Malaysia-Thailand border is vast, making it difficult for security forces to guard the entire area. Dr Fadzli emphasized that most of the land at the border belongs to individuals, making it challenging for authorities to combat smuggling. Smugglers often enter and exit the border through unregulated and hard-to-control routes.
Prior to this, Kelantan police Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat had proposed building a wall along the Malaysia-Thailand border to curb cross-border crime.
Rafflesia Conservation Efforts
Dr Fadzli also touched on the Rafflesia flower species, which is a natural treasure for the state. The state government has gazetted 400 hectares of land in Lojing, Gua Musang to conserve the Rafflesia flower species. The area was gazetted in 2011 and involves three Rafflesia species: Kerri, Cantleyi, and Sumeiae.
Rafflesia is a significant opportunity for the state government to develop the eco-tourism industry and create job opportunities for local residents. In 2022, the state government officially launched the Rafflesia Conservation Park in Kelantan.
Research and Conservation
The state government is committed to supporting research studies on the conservation and preservation of Rafflesia and its surrounding ecosystem. Dr Fadzli emphasized the need for further research on how to protect the parasitic flower.
Conclusion
The proposal to build a wall along the Malaysia-Thailand border is a crucial step in enhancing border security and combating smuggling activities. The state government’s efforts to conserve the Rafflesia flower species and its surrounding ecosystem are also commendable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the proposal to build a wall along the Malaysia-Thailand border important?
A: The proposal is important to combat smuggling activities and control floods.
Q: Why is it challenging for security forces to guard the entire border?
A: The Malaysia-Thailand border is vast, making it difficult to monitor unlawful activities.
Q: What is the state government’s plan for Rafflesia conservation?
A: The state government has gazetted 400 hectares of land to conserve the Rafflesia flower species and is committed to supporting research studies on its conservation and preservation.