KANGAR: The security lane along the Malaysian-Thai border, from Padang Besar near here to Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah, will be upgraded based on the Security and Development Programme (Kesban) concept.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the upgrade was to tackle security threats and boost the economy along the 26.2km lane through the development of a new industrial area.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said this was also to elevate Perlis’ status as a logistics hub.

“This initiative was taken after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak instructed for an indepth plan for Perlis to be carried out during a National Physical Development Committee meeting.

“It was decided that measures to increase security and development would be taken,” he told a press conference after attending a Ramadan programme at the Tuanku Syed Jamalullail Mosque here yesterday.

The event saw 100 orphans receiving aid in conjunction with the festive season.

Commenting further on the security boost along the border, Dr Ahmad Zahid said the road would be widened from two to four lanes, turning it into a main road and making patrolling easier.

“This will also curb smuggling while security walls will also be built at identified areas.

“The proposal to erect the concrete wall at the Malaysia-Thai border is being finalised by the National Security Council,” he said, adding that from 2019, the checkpoint along the border would operate round-the-clock.

The estimated cost of upgrading the security lane was about RM28mil.

“Our long-term aim is for Perlis to be a logistics hub with an inland port to ensure smooth transaction of incoming goods from the neighbouring country.

“But we will require full commitment from the state government for all plans to be implemented,” he said, adding that Perlis had “great potential”.