Malaysia and south Thailand may work to develop Halal industry, says Dr Wee

PETALING JAYA: With the new Thai government planning to develop the five provinces in southern Thailand, a collaboration would enable both countries next to each other to tap into the Middle Eastern Market, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).

Dr Wee, who spoke during the Southern Peninsula Sub-Regional Cooperation Expo in Hat Yai, Thailand, said he suggested turning the region into a Halal hub.

“Given the opportunity to discuss the potential of the southern border of Thailand to become a global halal hub from the Malaysian perspective and the challenges, limitations and opportunities involved, I offered my suggestions for improvement and talked about the unexplored sectors.

“This includes the Halal logo by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), which is well received throughout the world.

“Both Malaysia and Thailand can work together to tap into the Middle Eastern market,” said Wee.

At the event, Dr Wee also caught up with former deputy prime minister of Thailand, Phongthep Thepkanjana, on the political situation in Thailand.

“As a former judge and a veteran politician who is Thailand’s former Justice minister, he is now a member that looks into the drafting of the Constitution in the new government.

“Accompanying Phongthep was Darwin Yang, President of Asean-China Commerce Association.

“Looks like the new Thai government is highly committed to developing the economy in the five provinces in southern Thailand.

“This programme shows the effort by the government to improve the living standards of the people there.

“It is my hope that the Malaysia and Thailand borders will be developed to benefit both our countries,” said Dr Wee.