Malaysia and China have agreed to the proposed extension of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the project would not only stimulate economic activity in remote areas of Kelantan that had previously been left behind but would also establish a direct transport link with Thailand.
“Further discussions on the ECRL proposal will be held with all stakeholders before it is brought to the Cabinet for consideration,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama at the conclusion of his working visit to China.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said he received positive feedback on the proposal during discussions with Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The 665km ECRL is a land transport project providing fast cross-regional services connecting the west coast and east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
The ECRL route, starting in Kota Bharu and ending at Port Klang, will link 20 stations, including 10 passenger stations and another 10 combining freight and passenger transport.
Anwar said today’s discussion with Chinese premier Li Qiang was highly important as it covered strategic issues facing both countries and the Asean region, and provided information on key items for the meeting between US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping, who is currently on an official visit to Washington.
When asked whether tariff restrictions and trade pressure from the US were discussed, he said Malaysia remained neutral and had chosen to maintain direct dialogue with the US and China was fully aware of this.
In a Facebook post, Anwar said he also thanked the Chinese government for providing consular aid to Malaysians affected by the recent floods and landslides in Tibet.
Anwar concluded his three-day working visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou today.
