“Thailand proposes extending Malaysia’s ECRL to Sungai Golok to connect with its rail network and strengthen regional trade, while eyeing halal industry collaboration to tap into GCC and China markets.“
Kuala Lumpur, 15th May 2025, 01.02pm – Thailand has proposed that Malaysia extend its East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to the Sungai Golok border, a move aimed at enhancing cross-border rail connectivity and strengthening trade links between the two countries.
Thailand’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Lada Phumas, said a direct connection between Malaysia’s ECRL—which begins in Kota Bharu, Kelantan—and the Thai border would provide a significant boost to logistics efficiency and bilateral commerce.
“We have a rail station in Sungai Golok that we must now explore ways to revitalise and connect to the ECRL. This would allow for future integration with Thailand’s rail network and onward to Hatyai, enhancing regional connectivity,” she said in an interview with Bernama today.
Potential Link to Hatyai and Pan-Asia Railway Corridor
Ambassador Phumas highlighted that such a link could eventually connect to Padang Besar, forming part of the broader Pan-Asia Railway Network (PARN)—a multilateral project designed to link China, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore through a high-capacity rail system.
She added that Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to complete double-tracking works from Johor Bahru to Padang Besar play a critical role in realising this transnational infrastructure vision.
“Seamless rail interconnection across Southeast Asia will not only improve trade but also enhance mobility, tourism, and regional economic resilience,” she said.
Economic Benefits and Halal Industry Synergy
Beyond transport, the ambassador identified the halal industry as a key area for strategic collaboration between Malaysia and Thailand.
“Thailand can supply essential raw materials and ingredients, while Malaysia can contribute its global leadership in halal certification. This partnership could significantly enhance both countries’ positions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets,” said Phumas.
She stressed that aligning production efforts, especially in food manufacturing, could optimise the halal supply chain and increase exports to large Muslim-majority markets in the Middle East and Asia.
The ambassador underscored the importance of the upcoming ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, which she said presents an opportunity to showcase regional capabilities in halal production and food security.
“Through deeper Malaysia–Thailand collaboration, we can not only enhance trade but also become a strong supply base of high-quality halal products for the region and beyond,” she said.
Key Takeaways:
- Emphasis on food security and cross-border synergies in upcoming regional summits.
- Thailand urges Malaysia to extend the ECRL to Sungai Golok to improve rail connectivity.
- Proposal would integrate with Thailand’s network and connect to Hatyai and the Pan-Asia Railway.
- Stronger rail links would support regional trade, mobility, and logistics.
- Halal supply chain cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia could target GCC and Chinese markets.
