KUANTAN: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is now 91 per cent done, highlighted by the launch of its first passenger and freight train sets at the KotaSAS station here yesterday.

Two six-car Golden Train Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) sets for passenger services, along with the Electric Locomotive (E-Loco) for freight will soon undergo extensive testing, including an 8,000km fault-free run.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the EMUs and E-Loco arrived in Malaysia from Dalian, China late last year after successfully completing comprehensive testing and the Factory Acceptance Test, as certified by Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL).

“The ECRL project achieved 91.7 per cent construction progress as of last month and attention is shifting towards comprehensive preparations for the operational phase of Malaysia’s largest rail project.

“We have another 11 months before the start of operations from Gombak to Kota Baru,” he said at the unveiling ceremony.

Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing and MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak.

Loke said the provision of interchange stations linking the ECRL with the existing Keretapi Tanah Melayu network would enable Malaysians to enjoy a more integrated rail transport system while facilitating business activities and social mobility across the peninsula.

“We must position rail as a primary mode of transportation in the future. With a larger fleet of trains, we expect a shift towards rail as a preferred mode of transport compared to private vehicles.”

Loke said the ECRL served as a flagship project linking Malaysia and China under the Belt and Road Initiative and symbolised the strong and enduring ties between the two countries.

“The ECRL network and its operations must not be viewed merely as a passenger service, but as a powerful economic catalyst.”

Loke said the remaining nine EMUs and 10 E-Locos were set to arrive this year.

On cable and component thefts along the ECRL alignment, Loke said these incidents had not affected the overall project as the stolen parts were swiftly replaced.

At the same event, Maxis Bhd was unveiled as the telecommunications company appointed to provide mobile network infrastructure along the ECRL alignment.

Source: https://www.nst.com.my/