KUALA LUMPUR – The three states that border Thailand today described the reopening of the country’s borders on April 1 as a decision that will bring about many positive effects, especially in economic terms and social relations.
In Kedah, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the reopening of the borders will also provide employment opportunities for foreign workers, which would increase productivity in many sectors.
“This includes factories, plantations, services, construction and restaurants in which our economy will boom once again,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced today that Malaysia will enter the “Transition to Endemic” phase with the country’s borders set to be opened on April 1.
Kedah Consumers Association secretary Mohamad Yusrizal Yusoff said the reopening of the borders will revive the tourism industry and bring much relief to industry players, including homestay and hotel operators as well as traders.
In Kelantan, the state government has targeted a 50 per cent increase in tourist arrivals with the decision and expects it to have a positive impact on the state economy and tourism sector.
Datuk Md Anizam Ab Rahman said the opening of the country’s borders will not only boost the local economy but re-establish ties with the international community.
In Perlis, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man said the state government was ready to receive foreign tourists, especially those from Thailand.
Meanwhile, Perlis Border Relations and Cooperation Committee chairman Ruzaini Rais said the reopening of the borders was a much-awaited decision by many parties and it would provide economic benefits in terms of trade and tourism.
“For that, we have made initial preparations including cleaning the surrounding areas at the Padang Besar and Wang Kelian border gates,” he added.
Source: BERNAMA
