Smartcards To Monitor Cross-border Traffic

[george]

Smartcards to monitor cross-border traffic

Malaysian, Thai Premiers discuss steps to improve security along porous border since the flare-up of violence in Thai south

PHUKET: -- The impending introduction of smartcards for frequent travellers between Malaysia and Thailand will make travelling between the two countries hassle-free and help government agencies on both sides of the border nab undesirable elements.

The new cards were among a slew of issues discussed at meetings held here earlier this week between teams led by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and his Thai counterpart Thaksin Shinawatra.

During the closed-door sessions, ministers from both sides updated each other on joint development projects along the border and spoke of the need for a good alert system to prevent the spread of avian flu.

They even touched on a subject dear to the Thai leader - the unrestricted passage of perishable food through Malaysia to Singapore.

Datuk Seri Abdullah told reporters he believed the plan to introduce smart cards for frequent travellers could be put into action soon.

His confidence stemmed from the fact that smart cards are now used widely in Malaysia and Thailand, and as such the technology and expertise were readily available.

'This is a good way for both sides to check the people crossing the border,' he said, noting that the cards would have security features.

In recent years, Bangkok had complained that separatists and criminal elements were escaping into Malaysia using forged documents after causing mayhem in Thailand.

These allegations have been refuted by Malaysia.

Still, the introduction of the smart card may be a deterrent of sorts.

Datuk Seri Abdullah also said that both sides extensively discussed joint development projects in the border areas.

Following the flare-up of violence in the Thai southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala, Mr Thaksin appealed to Malaysia to help develop the south.

One of the ideas was for Kuala Lumpur to send its religious teachers to spread the message of moderation and tolerance.

Malaysia had responded by sending preachers to talk to southern Thai Muslims on the need to live in peace and for mutual respect between non-Muslims and Muslims.

This initiative was being done 'openly and in a genuine way', Datuk Seri Abdullah said.

Stressing the need to increase border cooperation, he expressed satisfaction at the move to build a RM8-million (S$3.54-million) bridge over Sungai Golok.

He called the project 'a small but very significant' one, which would bring people from both sides closer together.

Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek and Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Muhyiddin Yassin are among the six Cabinet ministers in the Malaysian delegation.

Mr Thaksin said he was honoured that Datuk Seri Abdullah had made the trip to Phuket, more so as it was just before the fasting month of Ramadan. He felt that the symbolism of the trip would not be lost on Thais and Malaysians.

'It is a good signal to the people of the two countries that their two governments are cooperating in the south,' he noted.

-- New Straits Times 2004-10-16