BUTTERWORTH: Malaysians are looking forward to dining and shopping in Thailand’s border towns once the border reopens at Wang Kelian and Bukit Kayu Hitam on April 1.
Penang Port Sdn Bhd project and facilities head Mior Saiful Nizam Mior Jamil said he misses driving across the border on day trips with his wife and two children.
“It would be good to shop for Hari Raya Aidilfitri and tuck into some tom yam.
“I really miss authentic Thai food,” he said in an interview.
Sharifah Jamaluddin, 31, an account executive at a multinational company, was equally excited.
“I am from Perlis and I used to shop there with my family before the pandemic.
“It would be good to go back during the fasting month and get my shopping done with my husband and children,” she said.
Rafidah Abdul Karim, 40, however, took a cautious stand.
“I would like to do Hari Raya shopping in Bukit Kayu Hitam, but I’m afraid to take the risk due to Covid-19.
“I have to consider my parents and four children.
“Maybe the later part of the year would be the right time to go shopping or dining there,” said Rafidah, who works in a public transport company.
Company executive Arafat Esah, 33, said it would be good if the border gates at Padang Besar in Perlis were opened because he loves the shopping complex on the Thai side, which has a good selection of clothing and eateries.
“But it is still good news that the Wang Kelian and Bukit Kayu Hitam borders will reopen on April 1.
“I might just drive there with my friends to see if there are any Hari Raya goodies,” he said.
Forwarding company senior executive Rizal Mohd Merican said he would not miss the chance to cross the border.
“I especially miss Bukit Kayu Hitam and Danok (Thailand’s adjoining border town) as they have good authentic Thai food and delicacies,” said the 35-year-old.
Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Thailand has agreed to open its land border with Malaysia in Wang Kelian, Perlis, and Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, on April 1.