The construction of a bridge connecting Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat with Takbai, Narathiwat and the expansion of the Sungai GolokBridge whichlinks Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas with Sungai Golok, also in Narathiwat, are expected to begin in the third quarter of next year.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the cost of the two bridges would be borne equally with Thailand.

"We estimate the Pengkalan Kubor-Takbai bridge to cost between RM70 million and RM80 million on Malaysia's part only, while the expansion of the Sungai Golok Bridge will cost RM30 million to RM40 million.

"Other than the construction and expansion of the bridges, we will also upgrade the roads connecting both areas," he told a media conference after opening a seminar on Exploring International Markets in conjunction with the ASEAN Border Trades Exhibition here Sunday.

Also present was Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) CEO Datuk Dzulkifli Mahmud.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, when visiting Thailand last month was quoted as saying that the Malaysian and Thai governments had agreed to speed up the construction of the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok and Pengkalan Kubor-Takbai bridges to enable their completion by the middle of next year, instead of the original schedule on 2018.

Malaysia and Thailand also agreed to speed up the expansion of the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex, stressing that it was an important entry point for border trades between the two countries. --Bernama