KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the need for swift completion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the ECRL Gombak Integrated Terminal station today, he assured that the government would extend full cooperation to Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) to ensure timely execution.
Anwar highlighted the importance of involving local and Bumiputera contractors, consultants, and suppliers in the project.
"We will provide all necessary support to accelerate the progress and success of the ECRL," he said during his keynote address.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Chief Secretary to the Government and MRL Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, Malaysia's Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad, and MRL CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail were also present.
Anwar addressed several concerns, particularly regarding operations and maintenance.
"Chief Secretary Zuki met with CCCC and MRL to stress the importance of efficient planning for operations and maintenance to avoid disrupting progress," he said.
He stressed that one major flaw in large projects was the neglect of maintenance, which could impede progress.
The Prime Minister said that the RM50 billion ECRL project signified Malaysia's commitment to equitable development, particularly in less competitive regions.
He highlighted the infrastructure's role in promoting economic growth in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang.
"ECRL will enhance regional growth and showcase Malaysia-China collaboration in driving economic progress and development in less developed areas," he added.
Anwar also expressed gratitude for the efforts accelerating the project, achieving milestones ahead of schedule.
"We are pleased to welcome Li Qiang and have had extensive discussions on trade, investments, infrastructure, and more. This partnership with China exemplifies our collaborative potential in various sectors," he said.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of the final phase of the ECRL project, expected to complete the rail alignment from Kota Baru, Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal, Selangor by December 2026.
The 665km ECRL, starting from Kota Baru and ending at Port Klang, will feature 20 stations, including 10 passenger-only stations and 10 combined passenger and freight stations.
The ECRL passenger train will significantly reduce travel time, linking Kota Baru to Gombak in four hours compared to the seven-hour road journey.
The segment between Gombak and Port Klang is anticipated to be completed by December 2027.
As of May 2024, the RM50.27 billion ECRL project, spanning Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, has achieved 67.09 per cent progress.