KOTA BARU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today launched the first station for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in the state.
The Tunjong station was among more than 20 stations that would be constructed for the project, which is expected to commence its operation in 2027.
In his speech, Anwar hoped that the project would be be a catalyst to boost development in Kelantan as well as other states.
"Today, we have created history. This ECRL projec will help to stimulate development of the states especially those located along the East Coast.
"To achieve this, all state governments as well as the municipal councils must work together to find new methods or new investments," he said.
Apart from improving transportation infrastructure, Anwar said the spillover from the development of the ECRL project could help to boost other industries such as the agriculture sector.
Present during the launching ceremony were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob and Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak.
Anwar also thanked the Kelantan state government for giving its full co-operation for the development of the project.
"The state government has helped a lot to realise the development of the project, including in matters related to land acquisition. The state government has helped to solve all issues arising from land acquisition quickly," he added
He stressed that the federal government has never neglected any state in its agenda to develop the country.
"The government will continue to give allocation for development projects which we believe can help the state government and its people.
"l will continue to promote all states to investors during my working trip abroad," he said.