Kuala Lumpur: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, which spans Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, has achieved an overall progress rate of 82.45 percent as of April, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced. A significant milestone was reached with the completion of 400 kilometers of track installation along the main alignment from Maran, Pahang to Kota Bharu in Kelantan, two and a half months ahead of schedule.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke conveyed his congratulations to ECRL and China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) for their progress. He mentioned that when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim inquired about the project’s timeline, he proudly informed him that it was ahead of schedule. Loke was speaking at the launch of ECRL Operations and Maintenance (O and M) Job Opportunities and PLKI-ECRL Offer Letter ceremony, which was also attended by the Prime Minister.
Loke detailed that the next phase of track installation, a 100-kilometer stretch from Maran to Bentong, is set to begin this month and is expected to be completed by the end of June. Electrification works commenced in May 2024, to be followed by the installation of signaling, telecommunications, and information systems in preparation for the ECRL’s operational phase.
Loke also highlighted CCCC’s commitment to human capital development, with a pledge of RM12 million to support the East Coast Rail Link Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL) for the O and M phase, aiming to train 3,200 individuals. This year, 210 Malaysian trainees will undergo an intensive one-year training in Liuzhou, China. The first batch of 102 trainees is scheduled to depart in stages from May 15.
The training covers both technical and non-technical disciplines, with modules including theory, practical work, and hands-on experience in railway operations. Upon completing their training, trainees are guaranteed employment with ECRL in roles such as Assistant Station Attendants, Signaling Technicians, Assistant Train Drivers, Overhead Line Technicians, and Electric Locomotive and Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Maintenance Technicians.
Loke also announced the official establishment and registration of the ECRL operating company, ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd, involving Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) as the project owner and CCCC, with the Companies Commission of Malaysia.