KOTA BHARU, June 7 — The Thai Cabinet’s approval of the Sungai Golok Basin development project opens up avenues for closer cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand in addressing flood risks, water security and ecosystem restoration in the border areas of both countries.

National Security Council (NSC) Director-General Datuk Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin said Malaysia also intends to implement related developments in the area, though the matter is still in the planning stages.

He added that the government will continue to communicate with Thailand to ensure that any development planning involving the Sungai Golok Basin can be coordinated, given that it involves the interests of both nations.

“For that purpose, we will constantly remain in contact with the Thai government because it involves the interests of both countries,” he told reporters after an NSC meeting at the Kota Darulnaim Complex here today.

The Thai Cabinet was previously reported to have approved a joint environmental project with Malaysia aimed at reducing flood risks, enhancing water security and restoring the ecosystem in the Sungai Golok Basin.

The initiative has received US$4 million (RM15.9 million) in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and will be implemented over a 48-month period with the support of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The project was jointly developed by Thailand’s Office of National Water Resources and Malaysia’s Department of Irrigation and Drainage to strengthen transboundary water resource management.

According to Raja Nushirwan, the development of the Sungai Golok Basin is not only crucial for flood and environmental management but also carries implications for the well-being of residents and the development of border areas in both countries.

The project also encompasses the development of a shared database, flood and drought risk assessments, as well as the preparation of a joint strategic action plan for the river basin.

Meanwhile, he added that the government is also ironing out the details of economic initiatives to assist communities affected by the demolition of 91 illegal jetties along Sungai Golok, including those in Rantau Panjang and Tumpat.

He said the initiative is still in the detailing phase and will be implemented once coordination between the federal and state governments is finalised. — Bernama