KUALA LUMPUR - A proposed railway extension linking Rantau Panjang in Malaysia to Sungai Golok in Thailand is expected to strengthen transport and bilateral trade.

Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand, Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah said the project, now under government consideration, could improve supply chains and ease the movement of goods.

He said Thailand has already started a feasibility study and environmental assessment as part of its double-track railway expansion.

“If realised, the route will improve the efficiency of cross-border cargo transport, reduce logistics costs, and speed up the delivery of goods between Malaysia, Thailand, and the Indochina countries.

“Trains are the most efficient mode of transport for bulk cargo. They can boost trade capacity and strengthen the role of Malaysia and Thailand in the regional supply chain,” he told Bernama.

Wan Zaidi said better rail links would create new opportunities for commodity trade and manufacturing, while helping small and medium-sized businesses access wider markets.

He added that southern Thailand’s location along the Malaysian border continues to support cross-border activities such as trade, tourism, education, and social ties.

Wan Zaidi visited Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat from April 7 to 10 in his first official trip to the region since his appointment last year.

During the visit, he met governors and officials from development, security, and religious agencies to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.