Malaysia to undertake dredging operations at the river's mouth
In an effort to improve water flow and protect the Golok River ecosystem, plans have been announced to dredge the river mouth. This decision was made during the 41st meeting of the Thai-Malaysian Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) on the improvement of the Golok River mouth, which took place on August 28, 2023.
The Golok River, spanning 103 kilometers and forming part of the border between Narathiwat province and Kelantan state, is a vital resource for local communities. It supports daily use, agriculture, and transport, making its preservation crucial.
The meeting, co-chaired by Royal Irrigation Department (RID) deputy director-general Wittaya Kaewmee and his Malaysian counterpart, focused on exchanging technical data and reviewing key issues. These included survey results, monitoring, and evaluation of the river mouth. Both sides conducted a joint hydrological survey to gather accurate data.
Past sedimentation problems at the Golok River mouth between 1975 and 1987 led to frequent floods and riverbank erosion, disrupting local livelihoods. The current dredging operation aims to address these issues and prevent future disruptions.
In addition to the dredging, Malaysia will propose plans for constructing wave barriers and embankments to stabilize riverbanks and protect the river's ecosystem. They will also submit technical reports on underwater surveys, dredging methods, and environmental safeguards.
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources presented plans for building breakwaters and shoreline reinforcements to stabilize the Golok estuary on August 2, 2023. Malaysia's involvement in these plans is based on a 1997 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
To ensure effective flood management, both sides agreed to adopt Thailand's rating curve for flood warnings in the Golok basin. This decision is expected to enhance flood preparedness and response efforts in the region.
The Golok River, a shared natural resource, plays a significant role in the lives of the local communities on both sides of the border. The cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia in maintaining the Golok River mouth is a testament to their commitment to preserving this vital resource for future generations.
