Sungai golok: Construction of the second bridge connecting Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, and Sungai Golok here is progressing as planned, with the Thai authorities currently in the process of selecting a contractor to carry out the project.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sungai Golok Highway Division assistant officer Teetuch Mad-adum indicated that the contractor selection process is expected to be completed by September at the latest, aligning with the timeline agreed upon by Malaysia and Thailand. He expressed confidence that a suitable contractor will be identified by September, with an initial shortlist involving 10 companies.
Teetuch mentioned that the six-lane bridge, to be built parallel to the existing Muhibbah Bridge, is anticipated to significantly impact local economic development and further strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and Thailand. He stated that the bridge aims to widen the existing route, enhancing economic activity flow and easing cross-border movement, while also impacting nearby illegal jetties.
Teetuch confirmed that there had been no objections from local residents regarding the project and that studies conducted thus far indicated no negative impact. He emphasized that the bridge is being constructed specifically to stimulate economic growth and that the process has proceeded smoothly without major obstacles.
On financing, Teetuch noted that the construction cost would be shared by both countries, with Malaysia allocating RM17 million and Thailand RM32 million, including related infrastructure upgrades. Construction is expected to begin as early as September, following contractor selection, or by December at the latest, with completion targeted within 36 months.
Previously, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that the project involves building a new 117.3-metre bridge parallel to the existing structure, along with upgrading works on the Muhibbah Bridge. In April, the media reported that the Thai Cabinet had approved the construction of a second bridge across Sungai Golok, linking Sungai Golok with Rantau Panjang, Kelantan. The project is seen as a key step toward strengthening regional connectivity, facilitating cross-border movement, and supporting ASEAN economic integration.
Thailand is Malaysia’s seventh-largest global trading partner and the third-largest within ASEAN. In 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD25.03 billion (RM114.56 billion). For the period January to February 2025, trade increased to USD3.96 billion (RM17.65 billion), up from USD3.67 billion (RM16.80 billion) in the same period last year.