The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is now 85% complete and still on track to begin operations by early 2027, according to Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
As the project enters its final stretch, he called on Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) to stay alert and avoid any last-minute hiccups especially land encroachments that could throw off the schedule.
Shamsul Azri also noted that while the ECRL will link the East and West Coasts, its real value lies in what it brings to the communities along the way from boosting trade and tourism to unlocking economic growth in areas that have long been overlooked.
“For the ECRL to really make a difference, it needs ongoing cooperation at every level from the federal and state governments right down to local communities and businesses,” he said.
MRL recently raised concerns over a surge in cable and equipment thefts. So far, more than 1,200 metres of signalling cables and 81 outdoor transformer units have been stolen putting both the timeline and system safety at risk.
The company warned that if these thefts continue, they could lead to costly delays and potentially disrupt future operations.
