KOTA BARU: Completion of the construction of the second bridge connecting Rantau Panjang in Kelantan and Sungai Golok in Thailand is eagerly awaited, particularly for its potential to create business opportunities that could boost locals' income.
Mukim Lubok Gong penghulu (village head) Syed Abu Bakar Syed Mat Nor said that expediting the construction of the bridge would bring numerous benefits to the local population, including enhanced trade activities between the two countries, especially in the special economic zone border area.
"The effort to accelerate the construction of this bridge could stimulate business activities through the sale of halal food products, fruits, clothing, and souvenirs.
"Once this bridge development project is completed, it will undoubtedly provide advantages in terms of better business opportunities, stalls, and market spaces in nearby areas," he told Bernama here today.
Yesterday, the media reported that Malaysia and Thailand had agreed to expedite the construction of the second Sungai Golok-Rantau Panjang bridge during the working visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim along with his Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin to Sungai Golok.
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The project, which was initially scheduled to start in April next year and take two years to complete, is now expected to be finished by the end of 2026, earlier than the original 2027 schedule.
According to Syed Abu Bakar, this news is particularly pleasing as it is also expected to solve the traffic congestion issue in the area, which commonly occurs on weekends and involves tourist activities.
"Every Friday and Saturday, as well as during school holidays, numerous vehicles face congestion that lasts up to three hours due to the availability of only one lane from Rantau Panjang to Sungai Golok," he said.
During the same visit, both countries also agreed to expedite the development and cleaning of the Sungai Golok estuary, which is expected to help in flood mitigation.
Rantau Panjang Flood Committee chairman Nor Hisyam Abdullah said that efforts to excavate and clean Sungai Golok and address disasters in the area are the right steps to take.
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"Given that the river water level has decreased due to it being shallow, especially during this dry season, the effort to excavate and clean the river to ensure there are no blockages impeding water flow to the sea and causing floods is the most appropriate action.
"The areas most affected by flooding are where the embankments are built, including Kampung Gual To' Deh, Tersang, Padang Licin, and Serongga," he said.
He added that currently, the efforts not to block the waterway near Sungai Lanchang, Pengkalan Telok are appropriate to avoid severe flooding and stagnant water.
"Previously, residents faced severe and stagnant floods because pathways, including at Kalbok 10, were closed, causing the area to be unable to contain the overflowing water, which led to severe flooding," he said.
–BERNAMA
TAG: bridge, residents, Rantau Panjang, Sungai Golok