ALOR STAR: The Kedah government is proposing a land bridge project in Sanglang, Kubang Pasu, to tap into potential economic benefits from Thailand's ambitious plan to build seaports and a land bridge to bypass the Straits of Malacca.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the state administration had held a meeting on the project, which will link Kedah to Songkhla in southern Thailand via the Isthmus of Kra.
"The project will create a positive impact on the state's new infrastructure. I am made to understand that the road to the seaports from coastal areas involves 4,000 acres (1,600 hectares) of land route, hence it will be a massive port, which is expected to expand to Kedah.
"It will be a blessing for Kedah and our country at large, as this land bridge will shorten goods transhipment worldwide, which will be passing through Kedah," he told the state assembly today.
Sanusi was responding to a supplementary question by Datuk Dr Mohd Hayati Othman (Perikatan Nasional-Tokai).
Dr Hayati had asked about Kedah's preparation to face future challenges should the Straits of Malacca no longer served as the main artery for global goods shipment if Thailand proceeded with the plan to develop seaports and the Kra land bridge with China's cooperation.
Commenting further, Sanusi said a negative reaction to build the land bridge in Sanglang was expected due to kuno (old-fashioned) politics practised by certain parties.
However, he said he had confidence in the wisdom of the Federal Government to agree with the proposed land bridge.
"Following this announcement, there will be reaction because of kuno politics practised by people, who are unhappy with other people doing better than them. They will kick up a fuss but the fact is this project is not just for the interest of Kedah, it will also have a massive positive impact on the country.
"Besides Sanglang becoming a transhipment post, we also have a cargo airport in Sidam, Kulim, which will be developed. I heard there will be good news for us as during the meeting between menteris besar and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last month, I have raised this matter.
"I raised this matter when the government presented the national fiscal situation, which was not favourable. But it would be good if the private sector is given the opportunity to develop this project for the benefit of the country and the people's economy, while we will reap the benefits of achieving The Greater Kedah," he told the house.
Sanusi was referring to the proposed Kedah Aerotropolis mega project, which would also integrate Kulim International Airport (KXP) to private funding initiatives.
In November, Anwar said Thailand's plan to build seaports and a land bridge, which will shorten the journey of ships without passing through the Straits of Malacca, would also benefit Malaysia, especially the northern part of the peninsula.
He was reported as saying that Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had assured him of the involvement of Malaysia in the project, which was still in the initial stage.
Anwar said this after bilateral talks with Srettha during their working visit to the Malaysia-Thai border in November.
Earlier in November, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in San Francisco, Srettha reportedly raised the idea of the project costing RM131 billion with the construction of new ports in Ranong on the west coast of south thailand, to Chumpon on the east coast, which will be connected by rail and road.
If the project takes off, the 90 km route is expected to shorten the journey by sea by four days and save 15 per cent in transport cost between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.