KUANTAN, January 2 – Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook announced that local companies engaged in the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project have surpassed expectations, reaching a contract value of RM12.99 billion, exceeding the initial target of RM10.8 billion. The participation of Bumiputera companies in ECRL civil works achieved RM2.59 billion, constituting 74% of the RM3.5 billion target.
To further boost Bumiputera involvement, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) are actively collaborating, including initiatives to screen and engage Bumiputera contractor companies in the project. Loke highlighted the ongoing collaboration with state governments to identify Bumiputera companies for participation in the ECRL project. The screening process is underway, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. Since the project’s inception in 2017, approximately 2,800 local companies, encompassing contractors, consultants, and suppliers, have contributed to the ECRL implementation.
Loke also recommended the establishment of a 50:50 joint venture company between MRL and CCCC in 2024, showcasing confidence in the project’s profitability, quality, and long-term sustainability. The ECRL, inaugurated on August 9, 2017, is a 665-kilometer railway connecting Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor. It is set to operate in 2027, accommodating passenger trains at 160km/h and freight trains at 80km/h. The proposed joint venture between MRL and CCCC aims to not only operate the ECRL but also provide technical assistance, facilitate technology transfer, and ensure the project’s long-term operation and maintenance.
