KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed establishment of the Southern Thailand Special Economic Zone may include private sector and start-up companies, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said this was discussed during his meeting with Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

"We discussed the outcomes of my working visit with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to Sungai Golok, Thailand, and Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, on Aug 3.

"Maris mentioned that other than rubber and food sectors, the proposed establishment of the Special Economic Zones may include the private sector and start-up companies," Anwar said in a posting on Facebook.

He said the participation of the companies could attract more investments in SEZ.

Anwar said he also suggested that Kelantan should take the opportunity to build a commercial area along Sungai Golok.

"Maris and I also discussed Sungai Golok river deepening to address the flood issue, of which the effort is aimed at helping the community at the border area that had been facing the flood problem every year.

"I have also expressed Malaysia's commitment towards the peace dialogue process in Southern Thailand."

He said both countries had agreed that Malaysia would host the seventh annual dialogue on Sept 19.

He expressed hope that the relationship of the two countries remains strong and harmonious.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1087928/pm-southern-thailand-sez-may-include-private-sector-start-ups