KUALA LUMPUR: The construction of the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok second bridge is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 if the tender process can be accelerated.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the project was initially set to be completed in early 2027, however, Malaysia has told Thailand for the project duration to be fast-tracked.
"If we follow the (original) plan, it (the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok second bridge) is scheduled to be completed in early 2027. Perhaps we can expedite it to be completed by the end of 2026," Anwar told a press conference after his working visit to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan and Sungai Golok in Narathiwat, Thailand.
He said despite the project's aim to be fast-tracked, the tendering process would not be omitted but instead, be accelerated.
He gave an assurance that expediting the tender process would not hamper the quality of the project.
The tendering process would involve 10 companies from Malaysia and another 10 companies from Thailand with cooperation from both countries.
The 658km Malaysia-Thailand border includes a 552km section on land including mountain ranges in northern Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand; and 106km along Sungai Golok.
Anwar said the existing Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok bridge, popularly known as the "Harmony Bridge" by locals would be upgraded upon the completion of the second bridge project.
"Once the (Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok second bridge) is completed, a decision was made for us to repair the existing bridge built in 1971," he said, adding that both projects were slated for completion around 2026.