ALOR SETAR: Malaysians can’t wait to feast and shop across the border at Danok or Bukit Kayu Hitam.
With leisure international travel now allowed, Malaysians – especially in the north – are hoping they can once again drive into Thailand for their holidays.
Salesman Siraj Munir Ahmad, 33, said he missed visiting Bukit Kayu Hitam or Danok due to movement restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I would normally shop for affordable goods such as chocolates in Bukit Kayu Hitam and visit Danok to buy glutinous rice.
“My family and I would also not miss out on the chance of having our lunch or dinner in Danok while there.
“The reopening of the town and border will kickstart the economy in the area after almost two years,” said Siraj, who is from Alor Setar.
Fully vaccinated Malaysians can travel abroad without a MyTravelPass from today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday announced that travellers, upon returning to Malaysia, must undergo mandatory quarantine.
Swab tests are needed three days before returning to Malaysia, and the travellers must be tested again upon entry. Self-quarantine at home is allowed.
Businessman Muhammad Muzamir Suhairi, 26, said he missed Thai food the most, adding that Danok was the first place he would visit upon the reopening of the border.
“Eating Thai delicacies is not the same as when you have it in its place of origin.
“When the border reopens, I want to bring my family for a vacation in Danok for a few days for shopping and leisure,” he said.
Currently, there is very little activity in Bukit Kayu Hitam alongthe Thai border in Kedah, with the local businesses being badly affected by the pandemic.
Kedah police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said they were ready to be mobilised once the Malaysia-Thai border in Bukit Kayu Hitam is reopened.
“The state police have adequate resources if there is a need to deploy more personnel to the area.
“We will always be ready when the border reopens,” he said.