KOTA BHARU, The second bridge project connecting Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, and Sungai Golok, Narathiwat, is expected to boost the economy and development at the Malaysia-Thailand border region once it is completed. Thailand is expected to begin construction of the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok bridge in April 2025. Kelantan State Public Works, Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development Committee chairman, Datuk Dr Izani Husin, stated that this high-impact project will strengthen bilateral relations and bring significant benefits and changes to the local population and economy. "This project will attract both foreign and local investors, and serve as a catalyst to create new job opportunities and stimulate growth in sectors such as hospitality, logistics, and services," he told Bernama today. He said the project would indirectly stimulate the state's economy through increased cross-border trade, attracting more investors and foreign tourists. "Moreover, this project symbolises the close strategic cooperat ion between Malaysia and Thailand in enhancing border area development, which can serve as a model for future joint efforts. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to undertake a working visit to Rantau Panjang and the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex at Sungai Golok, Narathiwat, Thailand tomorrow. Anwar and his counterpart, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, will be briefed on the second bridge project and discuss border issues and socio-economic matters affecting both countries. Earlier, Narathiwat Governor Trakul Thotham reportedly stated that an Environmental Impact Assessment, scheduled to begin next month, must be conducted before construction starts. The six-lane bridge and the existing Muhibbah Bridge, which connects Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok, will be collectively known as the Twin Bridges. Source: BERNAMA News Agency