(Tak Bai, 2nd) — The construction project of the second bridge connecting Rantau Panjang in Kelantan and southern Thailand’s Golok River is proceeding as planned, with the Thai side currently in the process of selecting contractors.
Titutchimadaton, an assistant official from the Golok River Highway Division, pointed out that the contractor selection process is expected to be completed by September at the latest, in line with the timetable agreed upon by both Malaysia and Thailand.
"We are confident that we will be able to find a suitable contractor before September. The initial candidate list includes 10 companies."
He said this in an interview with BERNAMA yesterday.
The construction of the bridge is expected to commence as early as September or, at the latest, by December after the contractor is chosen, with completion anticipated within 36 months.
Titutchimadaton mentioned that this six-lane bridge will be built parallel to the existing Friendship Bridge and is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy while strengthening bilateral Malaysia-Thailand relations.
"This bridge is an extension of the existing route. Once the new bridge is completed, economic activities will increase, border crossings will become more convenient, and it will certainly impact illegal piers."
He added that local residents have no objections to the project and various studies have shown that the project has no negative impacts.
"The purpose of this bridge’s construction is to promote economic development. Currently, everything is progressing smoothly without any obstacles."
In terms of financing, he said that both countries will share the construction costs, with Malaysia allocating RM17 million and Thailand allocating THB32 million, including related infrastructure improvement works.
Previously, Minister of Public Works Dato' Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi revealed that the project includes building a new bridge with a total length of 117.3 meters, parallel to the existing bridge, while also upgrading the original bridge.
In April this year, the Thai Cabinet approved the construction of the second bridge over the Golok River connecting Golok River and Rantau Panjang, Kelantan. The project is seen as an important initiative to strengthen regional connectivity, promote cross-border movement, and support ASEAN economic integration.
Titutchimadaton, an assistant official from the Golok River Highway Division, pointed out that the contractor selection process is expected to be completed by September at the latest, in line with the timetable agreed upon by both Malaysia and Thailand.
"We are confident that we will be able to find a suitable contractor before September. The initial candidate list includes 10 companies."
He said this in an interview with BERNAMA yesterday.
The construction of the bridge is expected to commence as early as September or, at the latest, by December after the contractor is chosen, with completion anticipated within 36 months.
Titutchimadaton mentioned that this six-lane bridge will be built parallel to the existing Friendship Bridge and is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy while strengthening bilateral Malaysia-Thailand relations.
"This bridge is an extension of the existing route. Once the new bridge is completed, economic activities will increase, border crossings will become more convenient, and it will certainly impact illegal piers."
He added that local residents have no objections to the project and various studies have shown that the project has no negative impacts.
"The purpose of this bridge’s construction is to promote economic development. Currently, everything is progressing smoothly without any obstacles."
In terms of financing, he said that both countries will share the construction costs, with Malaysia allocating RM17 million and Thailand allocating THB32 million, including related infrastructure improvement works.
Previously, Minister of Public Works Dato' Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi revealed that the project includes building a new bridge with a total length of 117.3 meters, parallel to the existing bridge, while also upgrading the original bridge.
In April this year, the Thai Cabinet approved the construction of the second bridge over the Golok River connecting Golok River and Rantau Panjang, Kelantan. The project is seen as an important initiative to strengthen regional connectivity, promote cross-border movement, and support ASEAN economic integration.