Kuala Lampur:Some 200 auxiliary police personnel will be deployed at East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) hotspots from November as part of tighter security measures against cable theft and to ensure smooth rail operations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak stated that detection devices, alarm systems, and closed-circuit television cameras had also been installed, while security guards and enforcement agencies were being engaged.

Throughout the construction of the ECRL, the project suffered losses of about RM4 million due to cable theft, including three cases last month. Despite these challenges, MRL remains confident that the ECRL could begin operations by mid-December 2026, based on positive results from System Integration Testing (SIT).

Progress in testing and commissioning has allowed Fault-Free Runs (FFR) involving Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) for passenger services and electric locomotives (E-Locos) for freight services to commence this month, ahead of schedule, without compromising safety or quality.

Darwis also welcomed the agreement between the governments of Malaysia and China on the proposed 30km extension of the ECRL from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang. This extension is expected to reuse about 18km of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) tracks between Pasir Mas and Rantau Panjang, which have been out of service since 2005. The project aims to facilitate the movement of cargo from southern Thailand to Malaysia and explore the potential of extending the line.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the proposed extension following his recent working visit to China, highlighting its potential to connect Malaysia's rail network with Thailand's east coast rail system and strengthen links within the wider Pan-Asian rail network.

ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Zaidi Sharif noted that the E-Loco freight service had attracted strong interest from major companies aiming to reduce transport costs and their carbon footprint. The E-Loco service will operate according to demand from companies requiring freight services, primarily at night.