RANTAU PANJANG: The proposed new RM210 million Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok bridge will help boost tourism in the country, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
The 116m bridge connecting Rantau Panjang town with Sungai Golok sub-province in Thailand, would also help reduce traffic congestion in both countries, he said.
He said it was the second "friendship bridge" following the Muhibbah bridge which was built many years ago.
"As one of the states that connects to the country with the neighbouring countries, the new bridge is important for Kelantan and its people.
"It is hoped that the new bridge would ease traffic between both countries," he said.
Mustapa who is also Jeli MP, said this following a short briefing on the bridge project at Rantau Panjang Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) here today. Also present was Rantau Panjang MP Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff.
Mustapa said the project was expected to start as soon as possible and further discussion with their counterpart in Thailand was still on-going, including on bridge design and its alignments.
Siti Zailah said the project would benefit the local people especially the traders.
"The current Muhibbah bridge is usually packed with vehicles. With the new bridge, we hope to ease congestion and stimulate the local economy," she added.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in his meeting with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha last month, has agreed to resume consultations on implementing two friendship bridge projects across Sungai Golok, the second Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok bridge; and a new bridge connecting Pengkalan Kubor here and Tak Bai, Thailand.