The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is a 640 km long railway under construction in Peninsula Malaysia. This standard gauge double-track railway will connect Port Klang on the Straits of Malacca to Kota Bharu at the northern end of the east coast. The railway will pass north of Kuala Lumpur, where it will interchange with Serendah Baru and ITT Gombak.
[Map via mrl.com.my.]
There is currently no coastal railway on the east coast of the peninsula, so this will connect the state capitals of the east coast with each other, and provide a faster land route to KL.
This line is not to be confused with the current KTM East Coast railway line (better known as the Jungle Railway), which doesn’t reach the coast until the last stop.
The railway will be used for passenger and freight services. Passenger trains will operate at 160 km/h and freight trains at 80 km/h.
The ECRL was approved in 2016 and construction began in 2017. In 2018 a new government was elected in Malaysia and the project was cancelled due to the high cost and other irregularities. In July 2019 the project was restarted after a realignment of the railway along with a renegotiation of the cost. In September 2020 the line was being considered for realignment again back to the original alignment, and it was reverted in 2021.
The current estimate is for the railway to be completed by 2026.
East Coast Rail Link Map
[Map Of East Coast Rail Link.]
Old Alignment
The previous alignment was south of Kuala Lumpur, where it could have interchanged at Putrajaya Sentral for services to KL and Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Links And Resources
Official Website: mrl.com.my
cccecrl.com – China Communication Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd, the EPCC contractor for the East Coast Rail Link Project.
Skyscrapercity: KTM: THE 620km East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) – Forum with news and discussion.
Twitter: @ecrlofficial
News Archive
2024
Next stop: Expect seamless connectivity as ECRL integrates with public transport, says Selangor MB – [29/10/24]
WATCH: Elephants ‘inspect’ fencing in association with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project – [29/10/24]
ECRL mega rail project marks key tunnel breakthrough in Malaysia’s Selangor state – [29/10/24]
Gombak residents affected by ECRL-related flooding to be temporarily relocated – MB Amirudin – [21/10/24]
EPIC, MRL sign MoU to boost east coast connectivity – [13/10/24]
“The Terengganu government’s subsidiary, Eastern Pacific Industrial Corporation Berhad (EPIC Berhad), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), to integrate its operations with the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project network.”
Anthony Loke: East Coast Rail Link project on schedule, 72.93pc completed – [09/10/24]
Terengganu ECRL project reaches 86% completion, says Ahmad Samsuri – [04/09/24]
Kuantan Port, Northport, Malaysia Rail Link ink MoU for ECRL land bridge – [19/08/24]
ECRL project reaches 70pc completion – [15/08/24]
No enthusiasm for ECRL on the east coast? – [07/08/24]
“Low service frequency means there will be a lack of travel demand between East Coast towns.”
ECRL mega rail project enables seamless logistics connectivity while meeting ESG goals – [26/07/24]
MRL says no changes to plans post-ECRL construction pact with Chinese partner – [12/07/24]
ECRL project work progress status in Kelantan at 79.81 per cent as of May 2024 — MoT – [11/07/24]
ECER should tap ECRL’s development, say experts [BTTV] – [05/07/24]
CCCC to share ECRL’s operational risks with MRL – [03/07/24]
ECRL project in Kelantan reaches 79.81pc completion, says MRL CEO – [23/06/24]
Construction of Malaysia ECRL’s Gombak station signifies the project entering a new phase: industry insider – [20/06/24]
Anwar and Li attend Gombak ECRL station groundbreaking ceremony – [19/06/24]
‘Game-changing’ ECRL reaches two-thirds completion – [19/06/24]
ECRL track works in Kelantan and Terengganu to be completed by March 2025 – [13/06/24]
ECRL track laying ahead of schedule – [13/06/24]
“The second phase of the East Coast Rail Link’s (ECRL) track laying between Kuantan Port City (KPC) and Maran here was completed today.”
Loke: Get the first-mover advantage of the ECRL – [11/06/24]
“The Transport Ministry is encouraging corporations to choose the upcoming East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) as their primary mode of transport for cargo, with incentives in place for early adopters.”
Govt extends deadline to bring foreign workers in for ECRL project, says Saifuddin Nasution – [20/05/24]
ECRL land acquisition in Selangor progressing well: Loke – [14/04/24]
Govt to conduct study before extending ECRL to Rantau Panjang – [13/05/24]
“The government will conduct a comprehensive study before deciding whether to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to Rantau Panjang which is estimated to cost another RM2 billion.”
ECRL project contractor commences system installation works – [09/05/24]
Transport minister: Construction of ECRL project in four states reaches 65pc – [04/05/24]
Malaysia Rail Link CEO: System installation works on ECRL expected to start in May – [23/04/24]
Loke’s proposed ECRL extension into Thailand has merit – [17/04/24]
“It will attract new investments and encourage export-based industries to be located near rail stations in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.”
ECRL to Thai border can counter land bridge threat, says expert – [05/04/24]
“A transport expert says both Malaysia and Thailand can reap long-term economic benefits in the form of lower logistical costs.”
ECRL to be completed by end-2026, operation from January the following year – [02/04/24]
Malaysia considers extending ECRL to Thai border – [27/03/24]
Progress of ECRL project in Terengganu has exceeded 80pc, says Malaysia Rail Link CEO – [26/03/24]
The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)’s green proposition: a hard chug – [25/03/24]
Construction cost for ECRL stays at RM50.27b – Loke – [25/03/24]
ECRL more than 60% complete, says Malaysia Rail – [25/03/24]
ECRL’s track laying works between KPC and Dungun completed ahead of schedule – [20/03/24]
ECRL hits new milestone with the completion of three tunnel excavations in Bentong district – [12/03/24]
ECRL could boost nation’s GDP by 4%, says Zafrul – [09/03/24]
Mida officially receives ECRL Integrated Land Use Master Plan from PLANMalaysia, says CEO – [08/03/24]
China builds Malaysia’s biggest infrastructure project, a rail link – [07/03/24]
Frankly Speaking: Why the exclusive rights to electrify ECRL track? – [26/02/24]
Outsiders instigating Gombak residents against ECRL – Selangor MB – [24/02/24]
“Amirudin Shari says he will have discussions on the matter with the villagers, but they are free to obtain a court injunction against the project if they wish.”
Citaglobal-led consortium secures 30-year exclusive ECRL energy supply concession – [21/02/24]
MRL: ECRL construction takes into consideration minimal impact, complies with guidelines – [09/02/24]
ECRL entices 40pc truck drivers, leaving Klang Valley in the lurch – [22/01/24]
Focus on ECRL transit service, govt told amid Thai land bridge threat – [19/01/24]
Emotional moment when man witnesses the demolition of his home, surau [NSTTV] – [17/01/24]
Kuantan’s CROCC will monitor entire 665km track laying works along ECRL alignment – [11/01/24]
ECRL’s first track laying works between Kuantan-Dungun achieves 41 pct progress – [11/01/24]
Malaysian Rail Link: RM2.66b worth of ECRL projects given to Bumiputera companies – [04/01/24]
ECRL: High-speed dream or expensive nightmare? – [02/01/24]
“Explore the economic dynamics of Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) as concerns rise over its cost, potential returns, and impact on national development.”
2023
King officiates installation of first ECRL track near Kuantan – [11/12/23]
“The RM50 billion mega project, inaugurated on Aug 9, 2017, is scheduled to start operating in January 2027.”
ECRL reaches 56 per cent completion as track laying works for mega project begins in Kuantan – [11/12/23]
Pahang ECRL project on schedule, achieves 57pc progress, says state exco – [06/12/23]
China-backed Malaysian rail project to uproot entire village with scant notice: Residents – [06/12/23]
ECRL to be first railway in Southeast Asia to have 4G link on trains – [30/11/23]
Reality check: ECRL passenger train’s maximum speed confirmed at 160 km/h, not 351 km/h – [18/11/23]
“Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) has issued a clarification, correcting media reports that erroneously stated the maximum speed of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) passenger train.”
Faster, faster: Chinese scholar says quicker ECRL trains, speedier construction time possible – [17/11/23]
ECRL versus Sungai Tua Recreational Forest – [25/10/23]
Diesel locomotives arrive in Kuantan to assist ECRL construction – [23/10/23]
ECRL project has achieved 50.29 pct progress – [23/10/23]
Gombak residents bemoan ECRL works, claim flooding, property damage – [11/10/23]
YLI Holdings paid RM97.8mil for land for ECRL project – [04/10/23]
Terengganu keen on implementing TOD around six ECRL stations – [04/10/23]
Mega project leaves villagers with nowhere to go – [02/10/23]
“Villagers say the East Coast Rail Link project will cut through their neighbourhood and destroy their family homes.”
Work on Genting Tunnel progresses to 3.6km out of 16.39km – [28/09/23]
ECRL project reached 52.9 pct completion – [19/09/23]
“…the ECRL project from Kota Baru, Kelantan to Gombak is set to be completed on Dec 31, 2026, while Gombak to Port Klang stretch is expected to be completed by Dec 31, 2027.”
PM Anwar: Govt approves ECRL Integrated Land Use Master Plan – [18/09/23]
ECRL Project: Land acquisition 93 per cent completed – [16/09/23]
ECRL project sets eyes on safeguarding Malayan tiger population – [13/09/23]
Discover ECRL, the largest China-Malaysia joint venture under BRI – [01/09/23]
ECRL construction nears halfway mark, 25 tunnel breakthroughs achieved – [25/08/23]
ECRL hits new milestone as tunnel excavation completed from Kelantan to Pahang – [25/08/23]
Concern in Gombak Utara over ECRL project – [31/07/23]
“Residents worry for their homes, which will be demolished to make way for the mega rail project.”
Acquisition of Taman Sungai Sireh land for ECRL to go through legal procedures, says Malaysia Rail Link – [30/07/23]
In Klang neighbourhood, residents fear eviction as ECRL project inches closer – [28/07/23]
“The Taman Sungai Sireh residents say their pleas to state authorities have fallen on deaf ears.”
ECRL tunnel works might have triggered sinkhole at KLK – [26/07/23]
Malaysia’s a big draw for China’s Belt and Road plans. Finishing them is another story – [26/07/23]
Debt and lawsuits are piling up around China’s railway project in Malaysia – [25/07/23]
ECRL in Kelantan expected to be completed six months ahead of schedule – [22/06/23]
Installation of ECRL track to start year-end, involving Gebeng-Dungun route – [17/05/23]
Passenger fares on ECRL will be affordable, says Loke – [12/05/23]
Everyone involved is accountable to ensure that national infrastructure can be enjoyed by all, says the transport minister.
PM Anwar: Ensure ECRL project a catalyst for change in east coast – [12/05/23]
PM launches first ECRL station in Kelantan – [12/05/23]
ECRL: Pahang govt to ensure fair compensation to landowners – [11/05/23]
Reducing wildlife accidents and kills on ECRL – [26/04/23]
Excavation works at Genting Tunnel to be completed in 2025 – [12/04/23]
“Transport minister Loke Siew Fook says excavation works of the first Genting Tunnel has reached a depth of 2,602m while the second tunnel has reached 2,497m.”
Anthony Loke: ECRL works 42pc complete, on track for 2027 launch – [11/04/23]
ECRL can handle all cargo from east coast to Klang Valley, says Loke – [07/04/23]
MRL: Progress of construction work of ECRL project in Terengganu has reached more than 50pc – [03/04/23]
ECRL in 4 states 41% completed, says project owner MRL – [28/03/23]
“The 665km ECRL, which runs through Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor, is expected to start operating in January 2027.”
ECRL project 39.64 pct completed – [21/03/23]
Malaysia Rail Link: ECRL achieves 10 million man-hours without lost-time injury – [18/03/23]
ECRL wildlife management plan to minimise project’s impact on wildlife – [08/03/23]
MRL to build 27 wildlife box culvert crossing along ECRL alignment – [07/03/23]
ECRL’s Kuantan tunnel ready next month, overall project progress at 40 per cent – [07/03/23]
Kelantan ECRL project progress exceeds 40 per cent – [22/02/23]
Welfare of 89 families affected by ECRL project will be taken care of, says Selangor MB – [18/02/23]
See ‘damage and destruction’ of forest reserves for yourself, Selangor reps told – [12/02/23]
Exco: Land clearing in Selangor State Park done for ECRL project – [04/02/23]
“The Selangor Forestry Department (JPNS) has found that the alleged land clearing activities in the Selangor State Park are part of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.”
Malaysia cuts ECRL costs, but can the mega railway project pay? – [09/01/23]
No impact from revised cost of ECRL project, say analysts – [03/01/23]
2022
Loke needs to clarify cost of ECRL project – [28/12/22]
ECRL cost can be cut in half – [23/12/22]
“The new price tag for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) announced two days ago is way too high.”
Malaysia to continue with East Coast Rail Link project at lower than original cost: PM Anwar – [21/12/22]
“The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will continue under the current administration, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said, though it will cost the government RM11.01 billion (US$2.48 billion) less than originally expected.”
Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link project to continue under Anwar – [06/12/22]
“Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link project will continue without any changes, according to the newly appointed Transport Minister Anthony Loke.”
Land acquisition for ECRL not approved yet – [03/12/22]
Selangor hopes ECRL project will be extended to southern part of the state – [02/12/22]
Terengganu ECRL project progress exceeds 40 per cent, set for completion in 2026 – [29/11/22]
GE15: Chong Sin Woon seeks to open an spur line from ECRL in Raub – [15/11/22]
ECRL to mitigate projects impact on wildlife – [19/10/22]
MRL: ECRL project completes 12 tunnel breakthroughs to date – [17/10/22]
Orang Asli rail against ECRL, say heritage will be destroyed – [16/10/22]
ECRL good for national unity, never mind the cost, says fund manager – [13/10/22]
First super major bridge ‘stitching’ completed along ECRL stretch – [07/10/22]
Transport Minister beams as he visits manufacturing site for ECRL pre-cast concrete structures – [03/09/22]
Kelantan’s ECRL project in steady progress, says Dr Wee – [02/09/22]
ECRL C2 section in Selangor to be completed in next 5 years – [03/08/22]
Finance minister: Selangor residents stand to benefit from ECRL alignment development – [03/08/22]
China-built East Coast Rail Link project continues in Malaysia – [21/07/22]
ECRL more than 30% completed, says Dr Wee – [19/07/22]
Bridges built to withstand floods – [18/07/22]
“The 665km East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a mega-rail project launched in 2017, is designed with the monsoon season and future flooding in mind.”
A closer look at the difficulties plaguing Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link | Video – [13/07/22]
“Supply chain disruptions and COVID-19 containment measures have affected several mega projects run by Chinese state-owned companies in Malaysia. One of them is the East Coast Rail Link, which has been plagued by rising costs and a manpower shortage. Melissa Goh reports.”
ECRL project will be completed as promised, says Mustapa – [25/06/22]
PM: ECRL significant in improving country’s transport sector – [24/06/22]
PM: Transport Ministry told to come up with ‘people-friendly’ fares for ECRL – [23/06/22]
Wee: ECRL will proceed no matter what – [23/06/22]
“Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong says there can be no more changes to the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, even if a new government is elected.”
ECRL kicks off first TBM for Genting Tunnel – [23/06/22]
Puncak Alam folk urge govt to heed their ECRL project worries – [21/06/22]
Smooth running of ECRL project due to strong support from four state govts, says Dr Wee – [17/06/22]
Minister: 1,547 lots of land in Kelantan acquired and gazetted for ECRL – [16/06/22]
Is there a need for ECRL station in Puncak Alam, ask residents – [08/06/22]
ECRL station at Puncak Alam approved, says Tengku Zafrul – [06/06/22]
ECRL to change travel and economic landscape – [03/06/22]
ECRL assures uninterrupted services in Pahang during monsoon floods – [21/05/22]
“The year-end monsoon floods will not pose any threat to the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) services in Pahang which will be fully operational in January 2027.”
No truth to claims that land, assets along ECRL line will be transferred to China – [14/05/22]
ECRL not likely to be profitable, says Amanah rep – [12/05/22]
“The RM50 billion East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is unlikely to be profitable in the long run and might need to be bailed out by the government, an Amanah leader said today.”
Dr Wee: ECRL tickets will be affordable, priced like KTMB fare – [06/05/22]
Progression of ECRL construction at 28.57pc, says MRL CEO – [13/04/22]
ECRL project right on track – [25/03/22]
90 per cent reduction in forest land usage in ECRL project – [16/03/22]
Malaysia Rail Link: ECRL construction records 27.82pc progress as at February – [09/03/22]
ECRL project nears 30% completion – [12/02/22]
ECRL construction to record 37pc progress this year, according to MRL chairman – [20/01/22]
ECRL revival to spur economic recovery along East Coast – [14/01/22]
Tunnel boring machines largest in the region, says Wee – [14/01/22]
“”At 16.39km, this is the longest rail tunnel in South-East Asia,” added Dr Wee.”
ECRL’s Genting tunnel TBM excavation by March – [13/01/22]
“The two TBMs, reputed to be the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia, will carve out access through the Titiwangsa range to connect Bentong with Gombak.”
2021
Better days for east-west railway – [05/12/21]
Malaysia’s Transport Minister says no more changes to East Coast Rail Link route – [02/12/21]
It’s all systems go for ECRL in Selangor – [02/12/21]
Realigned ECRL saves govt RM16.51bil, Dewan Rakyat told – [19/11/21]
Transport Ministry says yet to reach agreement with Selangor over ECRL alignment – [16/11/21]
ECRL project is on schedule, says Shahar – [13/11/21]
“The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, scheduled for completion in December 2026, has reached a progress rate of 25.09% as of October, deputy finance minister Mohd Shahar Abdullah said today.”
2.3 km bridge over Sg Pahang at Temerloh unique feature of ECRL – [11/11/21]
“A 2.3-kilometre bridge now under construction and which will cross Sungai Pahang, the longest river in peninsular Malaysia, is one of the unique features of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)”.
ECRL project slightly behind schedule due to MCO — transport minister – [05/10/21]
Completion of ECRL still on track for Dec 31, 2026, says transport minister – [05/10/21]
Implementation of East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project to be resumed, expected to be completed in 2026 – [27/09/21]
Part C of ECRL remains along southern line – [17/09/21]
ECRL is no excuse to degazette part of forest reserve, Selangor MB told – [14/09/21]
Enormous potential of East Coast Rail Link project – [04/09/21]
Boring machine for ECRL tunnel excavation works arrives at Port Klang – [09/07/21]
“The first of two tunnel boring machines (TBM) which will be used to start excavation works for the Genting Tunnel as part of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has arrived in Malaysian shores on July 4, 2021 as scheduled, after extensive factory tests in China.”
ECRL Terowong Dungun breaks through six months ahead of schedule, says Malaysia Rail Link chairman – [02/06/21]
Commentary: Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link alignment is anything but settled – [15/04/21]
First tunnel breakthrough for Malaysia-China mega rail project – [10/04/21]
“The breakthrough ceremony of the 1.1km-long single-bored Paka tunnel was attended by officials and representatives of project owner Malaysia Rail Link and CCCC.”
Don’t emotionally oppose the ECRL for the sake of populism devoid of scientific facts — Jacob Lee Yee Yuan – [07/04/21]
Transport plan for national interest – [07/04/21]
“The ECRL will provide an efficient link for the movement of goods and people. However, how it links the two end points – Kota Baru and Port Klang – also matters as it has great implications for cargo volume and ridership.”
Malaysia agrees to 14% increase in East Coast Rail Link project costs – [06/04/21]
“Malaysia has reportedly accepted a nearly 14% increase in the estimated construction cost for the contentious East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.”
Transport Ministry restores ECRL to BN-era ‘Northern Alignment’ – [05/04/21]
“The Transport Ministry officially announced today the realignment of the East Coast Rail Link’s (ECRL) Section C to the original route approved under the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) government.”
Political rivalry in Malaysia threatens to derail much-delayed coast-to-coast rail link – [05/04/21]
ECRL Mega Project Malaysia – East Coast Rail Link Project 2021 [4K60P] – [05/04/21]
Stick with ECRL’s northern alignment, say experts – [02/04/21]
We said we prefer southern alignment for ECRL, says Selangor MB – [31/03/21]
ECRL not politically motivated, says Wee – [30/03/21]
“The implementation of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is based on economic interests following technical issues and not politically motivated, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.”
Selangor urged to reconsider ECRL alignment – [29/03/21]
MRL chairman asks Selangor exco to reconsider ERCL route change – [26/03/21]
“Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali wants the Selangor Executive Council (Exco) to reconsider its decision on the realignment of the East Coast Rail Link (ERCL).”
Selangor to defend its stand on ECRL alignment – [22/03/21]
“The Selangor government is still not convinced with the current federal administration’s proposal to revert the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to its original planned route that had been labelled as costly.”
MRL, CCC-ECRL launch safety campaign in Pahang – [19/03/21]
“Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL) have jointly launched the Safety Campaign 2021 which aims to achieve “making zero Lost Time Injury (LTI) accidents a reality” for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.”
ECRL alignment extended to 665km, says transport minister – [09/03/21]
“The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) has been further enhanced by extending the original alignment of 640 kilometres (km) to 665km as a more efficient rail alignment system.”
ECRL is nearly 21% complete – [08/03/21]
Advancecon bags RM60.6m ECRL subcontract – [26/01/21]
“Advancecon Holdings Bhd has bagged a RM60.6 million subcontract for the proposed construction and completion of subgrade works of Package 3, Section 4 for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.”
RM10 billion worth of ERCL works to be awarded to local contractors, suppliers – [06/01/21]
“Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRLSB) and China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) have agreed for the latter to appoint local sub-contractors and suppliers for at least 40 per cent of the civil works of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project worth nearly RM10 billion.”
2020
ECRL project to continue, 19% work completed, says govt – [18/11/20]
Transport Ministry: ECRL project ahead of schedule, to proceed with existing allocations – [18/11/20]
“Construction on the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) mega project will continue next year as the federal government already allocated funds for it, the Transport Ministry confirmed today.”
East Coast Rail Link: Full steam ahead for China’s Belt and Road in Malaysia – [06/10/20]
Selangor asks federal govt to reconsider ECRL route – [18/09/20]
“Selangor is asking the federal government to reconsider its decision to abandon changes that were made in 2019 to the proposed route of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) mega project.”
Malaysian government announces East Coast Rail Link realignment – [14/09/20]
“The Malaysian government has announced plans to realign its Ringgit 44bn ($US 10.57bn) East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, reverting to the project’s original route with minor adjustments south of Kuala Lumpur.”
Realigned ECRL to cost RM6 billion more, likely to be approved, says report – [06/09/20]
RM20.37b paid for ECRL project as at July 13 – [04/08/20]
“A total of RM20.37 billion has been paid to China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) for the implementation of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) until July 13 this year.”
ECRL work going on from Dungun to Mentakab, MPs told – [27/07/20]
“Construction work for the East Coast Rail Link project is continuing, with work focused on specific construction at the Section B Line from Dungun, Terengganu, to Mentakab in Pahang.”
Tony Pua calls on China to investigate 1MDB corruption links – [21/07/20]
“As a background, by May 2017, the then Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Razak had signed the Phase I and Phase II of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project with a total value of RM55 billion with China Communications and Construction Company (CCCC). By June 2017, Malaysia had paid CCCC RM1,931.4 million and another CNY17,320 million via a loan from China Exim Bank.”
Transparency, ‘white elephant’ concerns in ECRL realignment – [07/07/20]
“The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is back in discussion as the current Perikatan Nasional (PN) government wants to realign the project to the one first proposed under the Barisan Nasional (BN) regime.”
Exclusive: Malaysian negotiator reveals the story behind controversial rail deal’s resurrection – [15/05/19]
Malaysia gives green light for construction to resume on East Coast Rail Link – [28/04/20]
“The RM44 billion (S$14.3 billion) project was suspended when movement restrictions were put in place on March 18 in Malaysia to curb the spread of the coronavirus.”
ECRL realigned to make Putrajaya transport hub, say sources – [22/04/20]
“The realignment of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) fits into a plan to turn Putrajaya into a transport hub…The ECRL will also be connected to a KLIA express station and an MRT2 link, and there is talk of adding the monorail to the network, said the sources.”
Why Malaysia’s ECRL project should go on, new government or not – [28/02/20]
Transport Ministry: ECRL is 15pct complete – [13/02/20]
“The shortened East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which was relaunched last year, has reached a progress rate of 15 per cent.”
Photo journey: Malaysia’s new China-funded railway – [07/02/20]
“Is this what a ‘green’ BRI looks like? Alexandra Radu photographs work on the East Coast Rail Line, which has resumed after a year-long delay.”
BRI-backed Malaysia rail link back on track after funding agreement – [07/01/20]
2019
70pc of ECRL project employing 23,000 workers will be locals – [21/11/19]
“Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and its Chinese partner China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) will embark on a recruitment roadshow from December to tap local talents for the 640-km East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.”
Malaysian contractors on China-backed East Coast Rail Link get better deal after US$240 million in funding agreed – [19/11/19]
Work resumes on Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link – [25/07/19]
“Malaysia on Thursday (July 25) relaunched its East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), kickstarting work on tunnels and viaducts along part of the route, from Dungun, in Terengganu, to Mentakab, in Pahang after a year-long suspension, and following a deal to slash costs.”
MRL says revised ECRL’s KL-Kota Baru travel time is four hours, quashing Najib’s claim – [17/04/19]
Malaysia: Revised China deal shows costs were inflated – [16/04/19]
Prime Minister Mahathir outlines the renegotiated terms for the East Coast Rail Link, to be built and largely funded by China.
New East Coast Rail Link deal eases ‘debt trap’ concerns for Malaysia, says Mahathir – [15/04/19]
ECRL project’s revival to support the Ringgit next week – [13/04/19]
China, Malaysia to resume East Coast Rail for $11 billion – [12/04/19]
Malaysia revives China-backed rail link, cost cut by a third – [12/04/19]
ECRL is now 40km shorter but will still have double tracks – [12/04/19]
“Under the supplementary agreement signed earlier today between Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC), the ECRL will now be 40km shorter for a total of 648km and pass through Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan instead of Gombak in the Klang Valley.”
ECRL deal with China to include palm oil buy – [08/04/19]
“The current re-negotiations on the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) may see its construction price pegged at RM50mil to RM60mil per km as well as a commitment by the Chinese government to buy Malaysian palm oil and bring in projects, according to sources.”
Malaysia and China: breaking up is hard to do – [01/02/19]
“Mahathir’s promise to scrap or renegotiate “unequal” infrastructure deals with Beijing – a plan easier said than done.”
Malaysia to kill $20 billion train project in a blow to China – [28/01/19]
“Malaysia will terminate a $20 billion rail project with contractor China Communications Construction Co., Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali said.”
Future of Malaysia’s China-backed East Coast Rail Link hinges on elusive report – [03/01/19]
“Beijing and Kuala Lumpur have both distanced themselves from negotiations over the massive rail project, citing a long-awaited study that has yet to arrive.”
2018
CCCC open to ‘equity partnership’ in bid to rescue ECRL – [24/09/20]
Najib clarifies 5 misunderstandings about ECRL, calls for RCI – [23/08/18]
Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad warns against ‘new colonialism’ during China visit – [21/08/18]
‘We cannot afford this’: Malaysia pushes back against China’s vision – [20/08/18]
Malaysia suspends construction of East Coast Railway Link – [04/07/18]
“The project owner of Malaysia’s US$20 billion (S$27.4 billion) East Coast Railway Link has told its main Chinese contractor to suspend work, both companies said on Wednesday (July 4), raising uncertainty about the future of part of China’s Belt and Road plan.”
The final cost of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is actually RM81 billion and must be reduced significantly to make it viable financially – [06/07/18]
Statement from the Ministry of Finance Malaysia.
China’s belt and road builder finds itself embroiled in a scandal in Malaysian coastal railway link – [12/06/18]
“The project’s estimated total cost of 60 billion ringgit (US$15 billion) was inflated to hide a scheme to channel funds toward paying for debt owed by 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), the troubled state investment agency, according to a June 4 report by The Edge Malaysia , citing an interview with the newly elected premier Mahathir Mohamad.”
Mahathir says the ECRL project contract is strange – [04/06/20]
“Money from the RM55 billion loan given out by a Chinese bank for Malaysia to build the East Coast Railway Line (ECRL) is being kept abroad, paid to the Chinese construction company in China.”
Malaysia spares $14bn China-led rail project from budget ax – [01/06/18]
“Malaysia’s deal with China for a 55 billion ringgit ($13.8 billion) rail link will proceed despite new Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s effort to roll back questionable spending, the finance minister said Friday, citing costs already paid on the project.”
Malaysia to renegotiate ECRL terms – Dr M – [27/05/20]
“Malaysia is haggling over the terms of a $14 billion rail deal with its Chinese partners and can reduce its ballooning national debts by $50 billion by doing away with mega projects, its prime minister said in an interview published on Saturday.”
ECRL making remarkable progress in just 13 months, says MRL CEO – [04/03/18]
cleanmalaysia.com/2018/03/02/mitigating-environmental-impacts-east-coast-rail-link/ – [02/03/18]
“The East Coast Rail Line (ECRL), which will connect Port Klang in Selangor with parts of the east coast, will be a boon to commuters by cutting lengthy journeys down to a matter of hours. On the downside, however, the new 688km high-speed rail line will fragment several already fragmented habitats en route by cutting through several major rivers and hundreds of hectares of protected forest in the Central Forest Spine.”
AECOM to provide site supervision services for Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link project – [08/01/18]
“AECOM, a premier, fully integrated global infrastructure firm, has been appointed by China Communications Construction Company to provide site supervision services for the stations, viaducts, tunnels and depots of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.”
2017
Newsbreak: ECRL cost to balloon due to double-track feature – [09/10/17]
The real economics of ECRL – [12/08/17]
East Coast Rail Link: Malaysia touts rail trade route as rival to Singapore – [10/08/17]
“Malaysia has hailed an upcoming railway linking its east coast to Port Klang on the west coast as an “alternative trade route”, claiming that a projected 53 million tonnes of cargo will bypass Singapore annually by 2030.”
Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link a double-edged sword for environment, wildlife – [09/08/17]
“The 688-kilometer rail project promises to reduce road traffic, but will also cut through protected forests.”
Hard-pedaling soft power, China helps launch $13 billion Belt and Road rail project in Malaysia – [09/08/17]
Malaysia’s biggest railway, China’s biggest coup? – [09/08/17]
“$12.8bn project kicks off amid hopes and concerns about Beijing’s growing influence.”
10 reasons why we don’t need RM55b east coast rail link – [08/08/17]
“Why does the country need a double-tracked, electrified East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) from Port Klang on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia to Kuantan and Tumpat on the east coast – 688 kilometres, to be built at a massive cost of RM55 billion?”
ECRL will benefit people greatly, says Najib – [09/03/17]
“Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday again took aim at detractors who claimed that the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is tantamount to selling the country’s sovereignty.”
2016
Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Line touted as a game changer – [22/12/16]
“Singapore could be bypassed as new links alter regional trade routes.”
Minister explains why ECRL will cost RM55 billion – [09/11/16]
Malaysia not being ‘sold off’ to China, says Najib – [04/11/16]
The new Kelantan-Selangor railway costs… RM91 million per kilometer!? Sure onot!? – [04/11/16]
Confirmed: East Coast Rail Link project to be built, funded by China – [31/10/16]
“The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a 620km high-impact project under the 11th Malaysia Plan, will be built and funded by China, Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah confirmed today.”
Najib’s secret deal with China to pay off 1MDB (and Jho Low’s) debts! – [26/07/16]
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