KOTA BARU: Environmental experts have completed their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies for the site of the second Muhibbah (Friendship) Bridge across the Golok River, linking Thailand with Rantau Panjang.
Narathiwat governor, Acting Sub Lt Trakul Thotham, said that the experts found the location suitable for the project.
With this assessment, he expressed confidence that construction of the second bridge would commence as scheduled.
"Once the EIA studies are finalised, they will be presented to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for approval. We expect to receive this approval before the year ends, allowing us to begin construction as planned," he added.
Trakul said this after presenting prizes to winners of a traditional singing competition in Narathiwat recently.
He also said that the new bridge, which will be built parallel to the existing one, is expected to take two years to complete.
He hopes the bridge will enhance cross-border trade and boost the economy for both countries.
In June, Trakul said that the Thai government had yet to determine the cost of the bridge, which they plan to name the "Twin Bridge".
On Aug 3, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the construction of the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok second bridge is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026, provided the tender process is expedited.
Initially, the project was set for completion in early 2027, but Malaysia has urged Thailand to fast-track the timeline.
Anwar said that the tendering process would involve 10 companies from Malaysia and 10 from Thailand, with cooperation from both nations.
The second Sungai Golok-Rantau Panjang bridge will feature six lanes and will be built parallel to the existing bridge, which is too narrow for large vehicles and cannot be expanded.
The 658 km Malaysia-Thailand border includes a 552 km land section comprising mountain ranges in northern Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand, along with a 106 km stretch along the Sungai Golok.