PADANG BESAR, Dec 23 — The Perlis government is asking the federal government to consider extending the operation of border gates at the Padang Besar and Wang Kelian Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex by two hours.

Perlis Infrastructure, Transport and Border Relations Committee chairman Izizam Ibrahim said the state government hoped that operations of the Padang Besar ICQS complex could be extended until midnight from 10 p.m. currently, while Wang Kelian’s ICQS complex would operate until 9 p.m. instead of the current 7 p.m. .

“This aims to provide economic opportunities to residents, allowing them to further increase their income if opening hours are extended by two more hours,” he told reporters after meeting with representatives of the Thai Ministry of Health. Interior at the Wang Kelian-Wang Prachan border post. near here.

Izizam also urged the federal government to accelerate the reopening of the Wang Kelian Free Movement Zone, which has remained closed since April 1, 2015, to revitalize local economic activities and tourism in the area.

He said the prolonged closure has left Wang Kelian Mall deserted, with little or no commercial activity.

Merchants are struggling to maintain operations due to the lack of visitors to the arcade, he said.

In terms of security, Izizam said the state government is confident that security screening at the Perlis border is improving, with strict monitoring by customs and immigration.

The Wang Kelian Free Movement Zone was closed following the discovery of a temporary camp and mass grave containing the bodies of human trafficking victims in Bukit Wang Burma near here. — Bernama