KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 18): Malaysia is open to reviving the cross-border railway service connecting Rantau Panjang, Kelantan and Sungai Golok, Thailand.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the ministry will hold discussions with the State Railway of Thailand regarding the proposed revival of the service, aimed at enhancing connectivity for both cargo and passenger transport between the two countries.

"However, the railway station in Rantau Panjang has been out of use for almost 20 years, so a detailed study will be conducted to assess the feasibility of reviving it," Hasbi told the special chambers of the Parliament on Monday.

According to Hasbi, the infrastructure at the Rantau Panjang station has deteriorated significantly since the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service between Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas was halted following major floods in 2006.

He added that the government is prepared to review the need and viability of resuming train services between Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas, as it could stimulate local economic activity and trade along the border.

"However, the proposal will need to take into account the financial allocations and environmental impacts," Hasbi noted.

Meanwhile, Hasbi said the Transport Ministry is currently considering extending the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from the Kota Bharu station in Bandar Baru Tunjong to Rantau Panjang.

The government views the proposal to extend the ECRL alignment as a way to complement the rail network on the East Coast, in addition to acting as a catalyst for economic growth and reducing the economic gap between the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia, he noted.

However, Hasbi said that the proposed extension could cost over RM2 billion, as it would need to cross a greenfield area.

It was previously reported that the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, has expressed hope that the ECRL project can be extended to Rantau Panjang.

As of the end of September, the 665km ECRL project, which connects Klang Valley and Kota Bharu, has reached 72.93% completion.

The track from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal is slated to begin operations by 2027, with the line from Gombak to Port Klang expected to be completed by December 2027.

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