Saifuddin confirms second 'Friendship Bridge' project on track

New Straits Times

04-05-2025

RANTAU PANJANG: The agreement between Malaysia and Thailand to construct the second "Friendship Bridge" remains unchanged, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the current bridge, built in 1973, has served as a vital cross-border link for more than five decades.
"In 2025, both nations are moving forward with plans to build a new structure to enhance connectivity and support regional development," he told reporters here today.
Saifuddin said preparations on Malaysia's side involve three key components.
"The first involves the Home Ministry (KDN), which is responsible for developing a new Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex.
"The second component, led by the Public Works Ministry (KKR), involves determining whether a new access road is needed or if the existing route will be upgraded," he said.
He added that the Transport Ministry is the third key player, as Thailand has proposed extending its railway service from Bangkok to Rantau Panjang.
"In the most recent meeting between the Malaysian and Thai transport ministers, Thailand expressed its desire for its railway track to terminate in Rantau Panjang.
"At the same time, the Kelantan government has requested that the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) be extended from Tunjong to Rantau Panjang to ensure better connectivity," he said.
He explained that KDN's responsibilities also include addressing the old railway bridge, which forms part of the overall border infrastructure planning.
On land acquisition, Saifuddin said several plots must still be secured before ICQS construction can proceed.
"This is our current priority," he said.
When asked whether the project would proceed, Saifuddin confirmed: "Yes, it will go ahead. On our end, KKR is in the final stages of appointing a contractor, and the same process is happening on the Thai side."
He said the construction timeline would be coordinated by the relevant agencies from both countries.
During his working visit to Bangkok on April 17, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, for helping to realise the bridge project.
Anwar noted that the second Rantau Panjang–Sungai Golok bridge had long been discussed between the two countries, and is now being realised under Paetongtarn's leadership.
The bridge, dubbed the "Friendship Bridge", is expected to cost RM40.54 million and be completed by 2028.
The cost will be shared equally by both governments.