BUTTERWORTH: Malaysia and Thailand are eager to implement a single-window system at the Kedah border to facilitate the flow of goods between the two countries.
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said it would benefit the northern region, enabling goods to be easily exported via Butterworth port.
A single-window system will allow traders to submit all required documents such as import or export permits, customs and other shipping related documents.
The one-stop centre will also prevent high costs and a long wait for traders who, in the past, had to go through various agencies to get the green light for their goods to cross the border.
Lim said bilateral talks with Thailand on the system were ongoing and both countries were eager for it to be implemented.
He said talks were on hold because a new Thai finance minister had yet to be appointed following the general election in the kingdom in March.
He said the Malaysian government had approved the construction of a RM25 million truck depot in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, along with an industrial park and an inland port as it moves towards a single-window system.
The truck depot was announced in Budget 2019 as part of the government’s efforts to intensify cross-border trade in the Special Border Economy Zone.
Earlier, Lim handed Hari Raya aid to the needy at the Kampung Kastam surau in Bagan Jermal, here, with the Customs Department.
Recipients were also treated to buka puasa.