KUANTAN, Feb 11 — The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project’s progress was at 91.7 per cent as of January, with the focus to now shift to operational preparations, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said the arrival of Malaysia’s first electric multiple unit (EMU) trains and electric locomotives (E-Loco) marks a significant phase for the RM50.27 billion national infrastructure project.
“With the receipt of the EMU and E-Loco, we will enter an important phase, which is train testing and commissioning. This aligns with the overall project schedule, and we expect that the planned timeline — for the ECRL to commence operations in January next year — can be achieved.
“Of course, the remaining months will be fully utilised for all testing and related activities. I hope the entire project will proceed smoothly,” he said at a press conference here today.
He was speaking after officiating the arrival of the EMU and E-Loco, as well as the presentation of appointment letters for mobile network infrastructure provider Maxis along the ECRL alignment at KotaSAS Station here.
Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Chief Secretary to the Government and Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chairman Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Pahang executive councillor for public works, transport and health Datuk Razali Kassim.
The 665km ECRL project has allocated 11 six-car EMU train sets for passenger services and 12 E-Loco for cargo use. So far, two EMU sets and two E-Loco have arrived in Malaysia as of the end of 2025, which were officially launched today.
Each EMU set can operate at speeds of up to 160 kph and accommodate up to 425 passengers in an all-economy class configuration.
The trains, whose designs are inspired by Malaysian art and culture, are equipped with facilities such as toilets, luggage racks, food and beverage counters, prayer rooms with ablution areas, and facilities for passengers with disabilities to ensure comfort for all.
Loke said the remaining trains will arrive in stages in the coming months and will be tested before operations.
He also said the initiative to provide mobile network infrastructure along the ECRL route is important to ensure passenger convenience.
In his speech at the launch, he said the federal government aspires to better integrate the East Coast and West Coast through the ECRL, which is expected to improve mobility for the people, reduce travel time, and bridge development gaps between regions.
“East Coast residents in the Klang Valley will only have to wait one more Syawal to go home for Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2027 using the ECRL,” Loke said.
At the launch, VIP guests and media representatives had the opportunity to experience a round trip on the ECRL from KotaSAS Station to Kuantan Port City.
