Hoteliers against 24-hour Bukit Kayu Hitam–Sadao crossing

GEORGE TOWN: Hoteliers in Kedah want the Federal Government to rethink its proposal to open the main Malaysia-Thailand border crossing of Bukit Kayu Hitam-Sadao 24 hours daily.
It would affect tourism in Kedah, especially in Langkawi, said the Perlis and Kedah chapters of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH).
"We expect more Malaysians to stay over in Thailand than in Kedah," said its chapter chairperson Eugene Dass.
He said the present border opening hours from 6 am to midnight was ideal, adding that Malaysians would prefer to spend the night in Danok or Haadyai with the proposed change.
"They will stay across the border than in Malaysian towns. We stand to lose ground in wooing domestic tourists," he said.
Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (Malaysian) joint business council chairman Datuk Faudzi Naim said the Bukit Kayu Hitam crossing was one of the main contributors to the country's cross-border economic activities.
Opening the border crossing 24 hours daily would cost Malaysia up to RM80 million annually, Faudzi said.
He said customs, immigration and quarantine officials would need to work around the clock.
Also, security near the border crossing needs to be upgraded, he said.
"Previously, Thailand was pushing for the border to be opened 24 hours but now it has gone silent on that. It remains to be seen if this proposal should be pursued".