The state government of Malacca has announced plans to revive a long-proposed cross-strait bridge project linking Malacca with Indonesia’s Riau province, with a new economic feasibility study scheduled to commence in 2026. The move comes nearly three decades after the megaproject was first proposed and reflects renewed interest in strengthening cross-border connectivity across the Malacca Strait.
According to state authorities, approximately MYR500,000 (around USD0.12 million) has been allocated for the engagement of a consulting firm to assess the project’s economic viability and its potential impact on regional development. The proposed alignment would connect Pengkalan Balak Beach in Masjid Tanah, where a new industrial estate is currently under development, to Rupat Island in Indonesia’s Riau province, with an onward expressway link to the port city of Dumai on mainland Sumatra. The shortest distance between the two sides of the strait is estimated at about 47.4 km.
The project is expected to be presented to Malaysia’s National Physical Planning Council in January 2026 before being forwarded to the Indonesian government for further consideration.