BANGKOK: The construction of a jointly funded second bridge and the upgrading of the existing bridge linking Rantau Panjang, Malaysia and Sungai Kolok, Thailand, are expected to be completed by 2028.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that the project includes the construction of a new 117.3-metre bridge parallel to the existing one, along with comprehensive upgrades to the original structure.
"With an estimated cost of RM40.54mil, the project is jointly funded by both governments and is targeted for completion in 2028," he said in a statement here on Thursday (April 17).
Earlier, Nanta and Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Transport, Suriya Juangroongruangkit signed the Construction Agreement (CA) for the second bridge and the upgrading of the existing bridge.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra witnessed the exchange of the agreement, marking the formal commencement of this major cross-border infrastructure project between Malaysia and Thailand.
In 2012, under the Joint Development Strategy (JDS) for Border Areas endorsed by the Heads of State, Malaysia's Works Ministry and Thailand's Department of Highways under the Ministry of Transport agreed to expand the bridge's capacity to meet rising demands.
Malaysia subsequently took the lead in designing the new structure, drawing inspiration from the traditional "Perahu" (boat) motif, paying homage to Sungai Golok's central role in linking Rantau Panjang in Kelantan and Su-ngai Kolok in Narathiwat. – Bernama
