KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke has confirmed that the construction cost of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project remains at RM50.27 billion for the stretch from Kota Baru to Port Klang, covering 665 kilometers and encompassing 20 stations across Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor. Loke stated that Malaysia Rail Link (MRL), as the project owner, is adhering to the Land Acquisition Act (APT) 1960 for land acquisition related to the ECRL project. Under the APT 1960, state authorities have the power to acquire land necessary for public development purposes.
Loke further explained that the Department of Director-General of Lands and Mines (JKPTG), in collaboration with MRL, will identify any remaining land affected by the project. If the remaining land is deemed uneconomical due to acquisition, compensation payments will be provided to affected landowners. Loke made these remarks in response to a question raised by Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Muttalib during a session at the Dewan Rakyat, addressing concerns regarding land acquisition and compensation for affected owners.
He assured that the Property Valuation and Services Department (JPPH) will conduct a detailed study to determine compensation amounts, with the entire process expected to be completed within three months after MRL receives the compensation offer recommendation. Landowners also have the option to appeal the compensation amount through written submission to the High Court within six weeks of receiving the offer.
