Terengganu: The Terengganu government will engage with the federal government to ensure that Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) projects at six East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) stations in the state bring maximum benefits to local communities. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar stated that discussions will focus on key infrastructure needs, including road upgrades near ECRL stations to encourage greater public access and economic activity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Ahmad Samsuri mentioned that they will collaborate with Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and relevant agencies to plan TODs that genuinely benefit the people. He emphasized that without proper development, the ECRL would offer little value to the community. His remarks came during a working visit to the TOD site at Besut ECRL Station.
MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak and State Infrastructure, Utilities and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Hanafiah Mat were also present during the visit. Ahmad Samsuri pointed out that as of June, ECRL construction in Terengganu had achieved 91.79 percent completion, marking the fastest progress among the four states involved, surpassing Selangor, Pahang, and Kelantan.
The Menteri Besar urged local communities, particularly Village Development and Security Committees (JPKK), to act as the authorities’ ‘eyes and ears’ to help prevent theft, especially of cables, along the ECRL route, an issue that could delay the project’s completion. Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak noted that several measures have been implemented, including deploying security personnel to hotspots and increasing police patrols.
Darwis highlighted that the situation is being closely monitored, and they appreciate the support from multiple agencies. Raising awareness about cable theft has heightened vigilance among all parties involved. MRL had previously raised concerns about cable thefts at several ECRL sections across Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, and Transport Minister Anthony Loke has called for firm action by the police, cautioning that such incidents could disrupt the project timeline.