2nd Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok bridge to be completed 2028
By Wan Zairul Azri Wan Mohammad Sudin, NST | 2025-Apr-17
Malaysia and Thailand marked a historic moment with the signing of an agreement for the construction of the Second Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok Bridge today.
This signified the official commencement of a major cross-border infrastructure project between the two countries.
Included in the agreement are upgrading works on the first bridge between the Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok, known as Su-Ngai Kolok in the southern Thai province of Narathiwat.
The agreement was signed between Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (left), along with his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra (right), witnessing the exchange of an agreement on the construction for the Second Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok Bridge project between Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (second, left) and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit. BERNAMA pic
The signing ceremony took place in Government House, here, witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Anwar is leading a Malaysian delegation on a two-day working visit to the Kingdom.
Nanta, in a statement, said the project encompassed the construction of a new 117.3m-long bridge parallel to the existing one, as well as comprehensive upgrading works to the structure of the first bridge.
The project, he said, is expected to be completed in 2028 and would cost RM40.54 million, to be borne equally by the governments of both nations.
“This agreement marks a significant step towards sustainable regional development and inclusive growth.
“It is in line with Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’ which reflects the region’s shared vision for collective progress — ensuring that development reaches every community and no one is left behind,” he said.
Nanta said the cooperation between the two nations proves Malaysia’s commitment to regional development, strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring inclusive prosperity for border communities.
He said the historic bridge between Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok, the construction of which began in 1971, had long served as a key link for communities and economies between Malaysia and Thailand.
In 2012, under the Joint Development Strategy (JDS) for Border Areas agreed upon by the two heads of state, the Works Ministry and the the Highway Department under Thailand’s Transport Ministry had agreed to enhance the capacity of the bridge, popularly called the “Harmony Bridge”, to meet growing demand.
“Malaysia took the initiative to design a new structure by drawing inspiration from the traditional motif of the perahu as a mark of respect to the Golok river which connects Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok.
“Once completed, this enhanced infrastructure is expected to significantly strengthen connectivity, trade, and people-to-people interaction, while also serving as a lasting symbol of the strong friendship between Malaysia and Thailand,” said Nanta.