Asean common time zone can cause domestic issues

The proposal for an Asean common time zone for the 10 countries requires more discussion.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hopes that the Asean governments will reach an agreement at the ASEAN Summit on November 27.

Najib added that some of the countries have pledged their full support.

Some countries, however have requested for a longer time as it involves domestic issues, he said.

“This includes prayers time for monks, among others. Those are domestic consideration which they needed time to sort out," stressed Najib.

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Among the benefits for a common time zone include the increase in trade and cooperation between the government and Asean and other countries in Asia.

A common time zone will provide more time for communication, coordination of activities for market share and improve aviation operations along with banking and business network in Asia.

According to the proposal, the GMT +8 is the preferred time for the ASEAN Common Time (ACT). However, the 10 ASEAN countries span over four different time zones, which left some countries questioning why the GMT +8 timezone is preferred over GMT +7.

Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Brunei are on GMT +8, while Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam are in the GMT +7 zone. Myanmar is 6 hours 30 minutes ahead of GMT. Indonesia covers three time zones from GMT +7 to GMT+9.

Najib was speaking during the 26th ASEAN Summit plenary ceremony held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) earlier today.