The Perlis State Government has requested the Federal Government to expedite the reimplementation of the ‘Free Flow Zone’ system at two border points with Thailand, namely in Padang Besar and Wang Kelian.

State Executive Councillor Member (EXCO), Izizam Ibrahim Adi, stated that reintroducing this system would boost the economy of both border towns, especially in Wang Kelian.

Under the ‘free flow zone’ system, Thai nationals are allowed to enter Wang Kelian and Padang Besar without requiring a visitor’s pass or passport, only needing to show their identification cards.

“Similarly, Malaysians can enter Wang Prachan (bordering Wang Kelian) and Pekan Siam (Padang Besar) in Thailand without a passport.

“However, this permission is only for a distance of two kilometers. It will make it easier for Thai nationals to come and shop in Malaysia, thereby boosting the local economy.

“This free flow system was previously implemented but was abolished in 2015 following the discovery of a mass grave believed to contain nearly 100 Rohingya migrants in Padang Besar.

“However, last May, the Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, agreed in principle to reimplement the free flow zone system,” he told Apa Khabar TV during an interview at ASEAN Mall, Pattani, Southern Thailand, recently.

Izizam, who is also the Chairman of the Perlis Border Relations and Cooperation Committee, said that the initial implementation of the ‘free flow zone’ system will be at Wang Kelian.

He stated that the state government believes this system can rejuvenate economic growth in Wang Kelian.

“In addition, it will stimulate the tourism sector in Perlis, especially in conjunction with Visit Perlis Year 2024-2025,” he said.

He also explained that the Perlis Government also aims to revive Padang Besar as a halal hub for various products, including food and services.

“There is a halal hub area in Padang Besar, and the state government is ready to collaborate with Thai authorities to develop this halal industry, especially as the concept of BMF (Buy Muslim First) is currently popular in Malaysia,” he said.