Transport Minister Anthony Loke says Malaysia is prepared to restart the cross-border railway project to Thailand, pending a new government in Bangkok.
KOTA BHARU: Malaysia is ready to revive the railway connection from Rantau Panjang to Sungai Golok in Thailand.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the move aims to strengthen transport links and bilateral economic relations between the two countries.
The project involves reactivating the Rantau Panjang Corridor through the Pasir Mas to Rantau Panjang rail link.
This requires track rehabilitation works to allow Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) services to operate up to the border area.
Loke said Malaysia welcomes Thailand’s intention to extend its rail network to Rantau Panjang.
He noted that several changes in the Thai government over the past year have affected the continuity of discussions.
“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.
Further discussions are expected to resume following the formation of a new Thai government.
The State Railway of Thailand has generally expressed interest in extending its network to the corridor.
“The Malaysian government is ready, and hopes that this connection project can be implemented once again,” Loke said.
The project is included in the 13th Malaysia Plan and is currently at the tender documentation preparation stage.
Tenders will be called soon, with an expected implementation period of about two years.
The Pasir Mas-Rantau Panjang railway upgrading project was previously reported to commence this year at a total cost of RM264 million.
It was approved under Rolling Plan 1 of the 13MP for 2026.
The project aims to reactivate the route for passenger and cargo train services.
This will strengthen cross-border rail connectivity between Malaysia and Thailand through a link to Sungai Golok.
