Malaysia, Thailand Agree On Joint Response To Natural Disasters Along Border

[george]

Malaysia, Thailand agree on joint response to natural disasters along border

BANGKOK: -- Malaysia and Thailand Wednesday agreed to step up bilateral cooperation in handling natural disasters that occur along their common border.

Towards this purpose, the Malaysia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) has formed a Disaster Managament Working Group (DMWG), which will coordinate quick response from both countries to natural disasters in areas within five kilometres of the border on either side, according to a news report of BERNAMA News Agency.

Speaking to reporters after the 86th meeting of the RBC at Awana Porto Malai in the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi Wednesday, its co-chairman, Lt Gen Masood Zainal Abidin, who is also the Royal Malaysian Army's Field Commander, said the DMWG's task would be to carry out humanitarian and relief work should disasters hit the designated areas.

He said that Fire and Rescue agencies from both countries would also be members of the DMWG.

"Disasters can occur any time and at any place. We need this group (DMWG) because we have to be alert and ready for any eventuality," he was quoted as saying by the news report of the Malaysian national news agency disseminated to TNA, adding that the meeting also discussed several key issues, including ways to maintain peace and security, as well as curbing smuggling activities along the border.

He reiterated that the 647km-long Malaysia-Thailand border was free from security threats.

His Thai counterpart, Maj Gen Jirapan Kasemsantisuk, did not issue any press statement after the meeting.

The 87th RBC meeting will be held in Thailand next year.

--TNA 2006-07-27