ID :
21010
Wed, 09/24/2008 - 21:08
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/21010
The shortlink copeid
GRANT DUTY-FREE ZONE STATUS TO WANG KELIAN, SAYS GREAT EARTH By Adnan Jahaya
WANG KELIAN (Perlis), Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Great Earth Duty Free Sdn Bhd (Great
Earth), a duty-free store operating on the fringes of the Malaysia-Thailand
security wall, is seeking duty-free zone status to expand economic activities at
the border area.
Its chairman Dahalan Embon said currently Great Earth was only doing retail
business with the Thais and foreign tourists but if the area was declared a
duty-free zone, his company could upgrade its business to wholesale
level.
He said the duty-free store complex operating since September 2004 is the
sole duty-free outlet at the State Park area blessed with the scenic natural
lush greenery in its original setting.
Dahalan admitted that business has been somewhat slow since the government
enforced the entry-exit ruling at the Wang Kelian border entry point in February
but he was nevertheless confident that this was a temporary phenomenon.
He hoped the government would reinstate the "free movement" system at this
unique Malaysia-Thailand border town as the system had popularised Wang Kelian,
the only land border entry point linking Perlis and Satun province in south
Thailand.
Dahalan believes free movement of Malaysians and Thais at this border town
will not only "wake up" Wang Kelian from its slumbre but also help stimulate
economic activities in the area.
Under the "free movement" system at the Wang Kelian border checkpoint
practised previously, Malaysians and Thais were free to move around to up to two
kilometres to shop at the "internatioal market" at Wang Kelian on the Malaysian
side and Wang Prachan on Thailand soil.
Currently, Malaysians crossing over to Wang Prachan must have valid travel
documents while Thais coming to Wang Kelian need not produce any document.
Dahalan said Wang Kelian had vast potential as a tourist lure given its
proximity to tourist resorts such as Phuket Island, Koh Samui, Krabi, Trang and
Satun province.
While shopping at Great Earth, tourists can enjoy the lush greenery in its
natural setting at the State Park and Gua Kelam (Kelam Caves), a popular tourist
attraction.
Before investing in the duty-free store in Wang Kelian in 2004, Dahalan
said he received many negative views particularly on the duty-free business
prospects in the area surrounded by dense jungle.
Nevertheless, the wholly-owned Bumiputera (sons of the soil) company went
ahead to invest RM5 million (US$1.5 million), with the Perlis government taking
up 30 per cent stake.
Great Earth was given a 30-year concession to operate in the area and its
strategic location at the centre of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth
Triangle (IMT-GT) promises a bright future.
Close ties between the Perlis government and Satun province authorities
also
contributed to the business success of the company, a significant trade landmark
in Wang Kelian, Dahalan added.
Meanwhile, State Enforcement Committee chairman Mat Rawi Kassim said the
state government would provide entry-exit "relaxation" at the area soon.
"The Cabinet has given the approval but we are waiting for the
implementation date," said the state assemblyman.
He acknowledged that there has been a marked drop in economic activities in
the area since the "free movement" facility was withdrawn in February.
Meanwhile, Great Earth entertained about 200 locals, customs and
immigration
officers and Thai policemen serving at the international border to a breaking
of fast at the complex last night.
The company also handed out Hari Raya Aidilfitri (festival marking the end
of fasting month) alms to senior citizens, orphans and single mothers in Wang
Kelian at the event.
Earth), a duty-free store operating on the fringes of the Malaysia-Thailand
security wall, is seeking duty-free zone status to expand economic activities at
the border area.
Its chairman Dahalan Embon said currently Great Earth was only doing retail
business with the Thais and foreign tourists but if the area was declared a
duty-free zone, his company could upgrade its business to wholesale
level.
He said the duty-free store complex operating since September 2004 is the
sole duty-free outlet at the State Park area blessed with the scenic natural
lush greenery in its original setting.
Dahalan admitted that business has been somewhat slow since the government
enforced the entry-exit ruling at the Wang Kelian border entry point in February
but he was nevertheless confident that this was a temporary phenomenon.
He hoped the government would reinstate the "free movement" system at this
unique Malaysia-Thailand border town as the system had popularised Wang Kelian,
the only land border entry point linking Perlis and Satun province in south
Thailand.
Dahalan believes free movement of Malaysians and Thais at this border town
will not only "wake up" Wang Kelian from its slumbre but also help stimulate
economic activities in the area.
Under the "free movement" system at the Wang Kelian border checkpoint
practised previously, Malaysians and Thais were free to move around to up to two
kilometres to shop at the "internatioal market" at Wang Kelian on the Malaysian
side and Wang Prachan on Thailand soil.
Currently, Malaysians crossing over to Wang Prachan must have valid travel
documents while Thais coming to Wang Kelian need not produce any document.
Dahalan said Wang Kelian had vast potential as a tourist lure given its
proximity to tourist resorts such as Phuket Island, Koh Samui, Krabi, Trang and
Satun province.
While shopping at Great Earth, tourists can enjoy the lush greenery in its
natural setting at the State Park and Gua Kelam (Kelam Caves), a popular tourist
attraction.
Before investing in the duty-free store in Wang Kelian in 2004, Dahalan
said he received many negative views particularly on the duty-free business
prospects in the area surrounded by dense jungle.
Nevertheless, the wholly-owned Bumiputera (sons of the soil) company went
ahead to invest RM5 million (US$1.5 million), with the Perlis government taking
up 30 per cent stake.
Great Earth was given a 30-year concession to operate in the area and its
strategic location at the centre of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth
Triangle (IMT-GT) promises a bright future.
Close ties between the Perlis government and Satun province authorities
also
contributed to the business success of the company, a significant trade landmark
in Wang Kelian, Dahalan added.
Meanwhile, State Enforcement Committee chairman Mat Rawi Kassim said the
state government would provide entry-exit "relaxation" at the area soon.
"The Cabinet has given the approval but we are waiting for the
implementation date," said the state assemblyman.
He acknowledged that there has been a marked drop in economic activities in
the area since the "free movement" facility was withdrawn in February.
Meanwhile, Great Earth entertained about 200 locals, customs and
immigration
officers and Thai policemen serving at the international border to a breaking
of fast at the complex last night.
The company also handed out Hari Raya Aidilfitri (festival marking the end
of fasting month) alms to senior citizens, orphans and single mothers in Wang
Kelian at the event.
