KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia and China have reached an agreement in principle on the proposed extension of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar said the extension would help boost economic activities in less-developed areas of Kelantan while creating a direct transport connection with Thailand, Bernama reported.
“Further discussions on the ECRL proposal will be held with all stakeholders before it is brought to the Cabinet for consideration,” Anwar told Malaysian media at the conclusion of his working visit to China today.
The Prime Minister, who is also Finance Minister, said the proposal had also received positive feedback during his discussions with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The 665km ECRL is a major land transportation project designed to provide cross-regional connectivity between the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia.
The rail line, which begins in Kota Bharu and ends at Port Klang, will serve 20 stations, comprising 10 passenger stations and another 10 stations catering for both freight and passenger services.
Also present at the press conference were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad.
Anwar said his bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang was significant as discussions covered strategic matters affecting both countries and the Asean region.
He added that the meeting also provided updates on key issues expected to feature in discussions between United States President Donald J. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is currently on an official visit to Washington, DC.
On whether tariff restrictions and trade pressures from the US were raised during discussions, Anwar said Malaysia would continue maintaining a neutral position while engaging directly with Washington, with China aware of the matter.
Meanwhile, Anwar congratulated the 22 Malaysian participants taking part in the 48th WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition, which will conclude later this week.
Earlier, he officiated the Malaysia Pavilion at the Fifth Global Digital Trade Expo held at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The pavilion featured 15 exhibitors, including four government agencies, showcasing Malaysia’s capabilities and innovations in digital trade, artificial intelligence, cloud services, smart healthcare and cross-border e-commerce.
The participation of Malaysian companies, coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), highlighted the country’s digital and technology-based industries as they compete in the global market.
Anwar departed for Malaysia at 4.15pm local time after concluding his three-day working visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou, China. — September 24, 2026
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