Malaysia, Thailand agree to build common border wall next year

KUALA LUMPUR: To tighten surveillance, Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to build a wall at their common border next year.

Malaysian Armed Forces chief General Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the pact was reached at the General Border Committee Meeting and it would be referred to Parliament for provision of allocations.

He said several sections along the border had been identified for the construction of a wall with the construction and maintenance cost funded by both countries.

"In the past, if we build a wall or fence, we have to construct it on the Malaysian side while Thailand will build their own structure ... now, we will only build one wall in the middle of the border between the two countries," General Zulkifeli told reporters after the 32nd Malaysia-Thailand High Level Committee Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (Sep 14).

"From the aspect of patrolling, Thailand will inspect their side and we, on our side ... it is more practical and saves cost for both countries."

Also present was Thailand's Armed Forces chief General Worapong Sanganetra. (Bernama/ec)