MALAYSIA READY TO REVIVE RANTAU PANJANG-SG GOLOK RAIL SERVICES - LOKE

KOTA BHARU, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is ready to revive the railway connection from Rantau Panjang to Sungai Golok, Thailand, to strengthen transport links and bilateral economic relations between the two countries, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said the move includes the reactivation of the Rantau Panjang Corridor, through the rail link between Pasir Mas and Rantau Panjang, involving track rehabilitation works to enable Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) services to operate up to the border area.

According to him, the project involving the Pasir Mas-Rantau Panjang alignment will be implemented by the ministry, as part of the country’s medium-term planning.

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“Malaysia also welcomes Thailand’s intention to extend its rail network to Rantau Panjang. However, several changes in government in that country over the past year have affected the continuity of discussions between both sides.

“I previously held discussions with the Thai Transport Minister and many matters were agreed upon, but there was a change of minister and they are now facing elections in the near future,” he told reporters, after launching the BAS.My Kota Bharu Stage Bus Service Transformation Programme, here, today.

He said further discussions are expected to resume, following the formation of a new Thai government, adding that the country’s rail operator, the State Railway of Thailand, has generally expressed interest in extending its rail network to the Rantau Panjang Corridor.

“The Malaysian government is ready, and hopes that this connection project can be implemented once again,” he said.

Loke said that the project has been included in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), and is currently at the tender documentation preparation stage.

“Tenders will be called soon, and the project implementation period is expected to take about two years,” he said.

Previously, the media reported that the Pasir Mas-Rantau Panjang railway upgrading project is expected to commence this year, at a total cost of RM264 million.

The project was approved under Rolling Plan 1 of the 13MP for 2026, and will be implemented by the Railway Assets Corporation, with the procurement process expected to begin in the first quarter of this year.

The implementation of the project aims to reactivate the route for passenger and cargo train services, thereby strengthening cross-border rail connectivity between Malaysia and Thailand, through a link to Sungai Golok, Thailand.

-- BERNAMA