Thailand and Malaysia have discussed close cooperation in strengthening border control between the two countries in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The Spokesperson of the Fourth Army Area Command’s Internal Security Operations Command, Forward, Col. Kiatisak Neewong, said that the discussion was held at a meeting of the Regional Border Committee (RBC), held on 29 June 2021 via videoconference.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Commanding-General of the Fourth Army Area Command, Lt. Gen. Kriangkrai Srirak, representing Thailand, and the Army Western Field Commander, Lt. Gen. Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan, representing Malaysia. In Thailand, the meeting took place in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province.
The two sides discussed the setting up of joint border checkpoints to prevent illegal border crossings, which might lead to the wider spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the two countries. Apart from cooperation in patrolling along the Thai-Malaysian border, they will also conduct strict surveillance to control the smuggling of goods and drugs along the border.
The RBC meeting is held twice a year to address the performance of the committee during the previous six months and issues of cross-border cooperation between the two countries. Because of the COVID-19 situation, the first meeting of RBC this year was held via videoconference.
Since early 2020, a number of Thai workers from the southern border provinces have returned from Malaysia to their hometowns, owing to the new wave of COVID-19. They have been urged to come back through legal channels and follow measures against COVID-19.
Source: The Government Public Relations Department