KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently welcomed a delegation led by Song Hailiang, Chairman of China Communications Construction Co. Ltd. (CCCC), for discussions centred on Malaysia’s flagship East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.
The courtesy call came at a crucial stage of the 665-kilometre rail development, which is now more than 81 percent complete nationwide.
Progress has been particularly strong in Terengganu and Pahang, where construction has surpassed 85 percent, while Kelantan has achieved nearly 89 percent completion.
Testing and commissioning of the line is scheduled to begin in mid-2026, with full operations targeted for December that year.
During the meeting, Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the importance of aligning the ECRL with the aspirations of the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (13MP), which sets out the country’s socio-economic roadmap for 2026-2030.
The plan emphasises sustainable growth, digitalisation, and improved connectivity, with infrastructure projects such as the ECRL expected to deliver significant economic spillovers to industries and communities along its route.
CCCC, the main contractor for the ECRL, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Malaysia’s development policies.
The company has been deeply involved in multiple infrastructure ventures across the country, including highways, bridges, and port facilities, but the ECRL remains its largest undertaking in Malaysia.
The project is seen as a cornerstone of Malaysia-China cooperation, strengthening bilateral ties while enhancing Malaysia’s role as a logistics hub in Southeast Asia.
The Prime Minister underscored the need for thorough preparation ahead of the operational phase, urging stakeholders to ensure readiness in areas such as safety, efficiency, and service quality.
He stressed that the ECRL is not merely a transport initiative, but a strategic national investment that will reshape regional connectivity.
The ECRL, once completed, will link Kota Bharu in Kelantan to Port Klang in Selangor, cutting travel time between the east and west coasts and facilitating smoother movement of goods and passengers.
Analysts note that the project could significantly boost trade competitiveness, reduce logistics costs, and open new opportunities for industrial growth along the corridor.
Malaysia Rail Link (MRL), the project owner, has also credited state governments for their cooperation, particularly in resolving land acquisition issues. This collaboration has been vital in keeping the project on track despite earlier delays.
As Malaysia prepares for the next phase of its national development agenda under the 13MP, the ECRL stands out as a symbol of forward-looking infrastructure planning and international partnership.
With construction nearing completion, attention is now shifting towards ensuring that the railway delivers on its promise of economic transformation and regional integration.
