The two-days 22nd Hulu Perak-Betong Border Game was successfully concluded on last Sunday afternoon. The occasion was made more auspicious with the presence of Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Perak State, Malaysia, to officiate the opening and closing ceremony.
The first Border Game started in 1984, which was 21 years ago. This is one of the activities by the Malaysia-Thailand Social-economic Development Exco-Committee under the Security and Development Program. Each year, Betong and Hulu Perak (border town in Perak state at the Malaysian side) takes turn to organize the event which aims at fostering closer ties between the border community through recreational and sport activities and also, strengthening the border relationship. This year, there were around 600 participants taking part in the various events including football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, tug-of-war, border marathon and so on.
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Participants from Betong with the Mayor/Band to live up the event
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Match in progress/Mini-motor game for children
I didn’t turn up on the first day for the marathon which started at 6:00am and then the opening ceremony because I woke up a little late:). I joined the Chief Minister and other VIPs with the mayor for the closing and prize presentation ceremony lunch. The public hall in Hulu Perak was filled with joy and excitement. There were Malays, Chinese, Indians and Thai which formed a nice picture of fellowship. This year the overall champion was the Betong team and they shall keep the champion cup till the next border game. The two-days event was a great a success and the closing ceremony ended with joy and a wonderful memory.
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At the closing ceremony/Lunch time
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Thai cultural dance/Malay cultural dance
In the near future, the cross border relationship will be further enhanced with the implementation of the multipurpose national smart card access, whereby immigration clearance of entry and exit will be made much easier and faster.
There is a proposed North Gate Manufacturing Park development project in Hulu Perak. The RM1.2billion project will be developed as a logistic centre as well as an integrated industrial zone at the Malaysia-Thai border. The first phase of the Northgate industrial area will span an area of 60 hectares on state government-owned land. The area, which was planned as a duty-free and passport-free area, will be equipped with infrastructure components and services and will house government, industrial and commercial agencies.
Should the project go on successfully, it will create tremendous opportunities to the people and the Betong economy will also benefit. I look forward to it!