Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) and the Transport Ministry are reviewing a proposal to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, near the Thai border.
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the state submitted the idea following fresh efforts to revive the Pasir Mas-Sungai Golok rail connection under Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB).
“If the ECRL ends in Rantau Panjang instead of the original Tumpat alignment, we could unlock new cross-border opportunities,” he says. Transport Minister Anthony Loke has confirmed the extension plan is being considered as part of broader efforts to strengthen rail ties with Thailand. But for Kelantan, this isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about economic transformation.
“The state has a blueprint to maximise the ECRL’s benefits, especially in manufacturing,” Fadzli stated.
One major plan is a Cargo Oriented Development (COD) hub at Pasir Puteh Station which is expected to draw both local and foreign investment and spark growth in logistics, raw material supply, and packaging.
He also highlighted a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) around Tunjong Station in Kota Bharu, aimed at turning the area into a thriving, modern township.
“The goal is a balanced ecosystem built around mobility, jobs, and quality of life,” Fazli added.
