Kuala lumpur: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has reached an impressive 89 percent completion as of October 2025, as confirmed by Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak. The project is on track to meet its target of 90 percent completion by the end of the year, bolstered by the concerted efforts and dedication of the MRL team and its implementation partners.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, preparations are now underway for the testing and commissioning phase, anticipated to commence in mid-2026. The ECRL is set to begin operations from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal by January 2027. The second phase of the project, spanning from Gombak to Port Klang, is expected to be operational by January 2028, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s transportation sector.
Darwis emphasized that the ECRL is a crucial national infrastructure initiative driven by the Federal Government since 2017. The 665-kilometer rail line connects three East Coast states and Selangor, showcasing a collaborative effort between Malaysia and China to enhance the country’s strategic transportation framework.
In Terengganu, the ECRL construction covers 242 kilometers with six stations, achieving a construction progress of 94.82 percent as of October 2025. This marks the highest progress among the states involved, including Kelantan, Pahang, and Selangor.
The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Terengganu state government and MRL aims to promote transit-oriented development (TOD) at ECRL stations in Terengganu. The MoU was signed by Terengganu State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Ali and Darwis, with Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and MRL chairman Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar in attendance.
Ahmad Samsuri highlighted that the MoU is a strategic effort to ensure well-planned development around ECRL stations, aligning with both state and MRL objectives. The agreement underscores the state government’s commitment to leveraging the ECRL as a driver for economic growth and attracting private investment in Terengganu.
Key focus areas include the coordination of integrated development plans to increase public transportation use, optimize land-use planning, and attract commercial activities around ECRL station areas in Terengganu. The partnership aims to facilitate organized and responsible development, centered on public interests and investor attraction.