BEIJING, June 23 — The Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) has raised concerns over a series of cable theft incidents that could disrupt the planning and operational timeline of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, which is now at a critical phase ahead of its targeted completion in December 2026.
MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said several theft cases have been detected at specific locations along the ECRL track, which spans Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor.
“These incidents not only raise the cost of repairs and replacements but also risk delaying the train testing and commissioning schedule, which is expected to begin in June 2026,” he said during an interview with a Malaysian media delegation here.
Darwis noted that if CCCC fails to complete the project on time — operations are slated to begin in 2027 — the conglomerate could incur losses of RM1.25 million per day.
[caption id="attachment_404972" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak (in glasses) inspects a communications room for the ECRL project in Kota Sas, Kuantan, on May 30, 2025. — Picture by BERNAMA[/caption]
MRL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), is the owner of the mega infrastructure project, while China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) is the main contractor.
As the project owner, MRL has lodged police reports on the incidents and is stepping up security measures, including appointing a dedicated security firm to monitor and safeguard ECRL assets on the ground, he said.
“However, we are also counting on continued cooperation from the authorities and local communities to help curb this crime. This is a national project that we must protect together,” said Darwis.
He also plans to meet with Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and the police chiefs of the affected states to seek cooperation and solutions to the issue.
The project’s completion progress has reached 83.38 per cent as of May this year, on track to meet its completion target of December 2026.
Meanwhile, the first two sets of Electric Multiple Unit (Emu) trains, along with two electric locomotives for cargo transportation, are expected to be shipped out from Dalian, China, to Malaysia in October.
The first batch of ECRL trains will be shipped by the manufacturer, CRRC Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co, Ltd (CRRC Dalian), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CRRC Corp, and the shipment is expected to take around one month to reach Malaysia.
CRRC Dalian vice-president Zhang Jian said the company will provide a “full life cycle service” for the ECRL fleet, covering the entire process — from product research and development, production and operation, to final maintenance and servicing.
"Upon arrival, they will undergo testing on-site. The first Emu needs to undergo 8,000 km of testing, while the subsequent batch requires 5,000 km of testing," he said.
The Emus are designed to carry passengers at speeds of up to 160 km per hour (km/h), while the electric locomotives, operating at 120 km/h, will be used for cargo transportation.
The company will also provide two-year warranty services for the Emus and electric locomotives.
The CCCC has also reaffirmed its commitment to Malaysia, expressing its readiness to deepen its involvement in the country’s infrastructure development.
Its international business department executive general manager, Cai Chuansheng said CCCC is eager to explore new investment opportunities and expand its footprint in Malaysia through its subsidiary, China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC).
“China and Malaysia are good neighbours in Asia, and we have frequent communication at all levels and regular exchanges in socio-economic development. This gives us many opportunities to cooperate,” Cai told the Malaysian media delegation.
— Bernama
