The proposal to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, bordering the Thai border is still in the initial discussion stage, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says.
“The team will have to follow through with the details, costing, and payment mode. Because it is a continuation, the cost will probably be much less,” he told Malaysian media in a news conference before concluding his four-day visit to China.
Anwar said the matter was also discussed with Chinese president Xi Jinping and premier Li Qiang in separate bilateral meetings here yesterday.
“The proposal is towards that direction, between 20km and 25km to Rantau Panjang near the Thai border,” he said.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, expressed hope that the proposal could be realised in the government’s efforts to develop the area.
“The area from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, especially Rantau Panjang, is a bit underdeveloped.
“We hope that with this and a station there, the development and business ecosystem can be improved,” he said.
Transport minister Loke Siew Fook told the Dewan Rakyat last month that further discussions were needed with China and the main contractor, China Communications Construction Co Ltd, as the project was under construction and the alignment to Rantau Panjang was part of the overall package.
On a separate matter, Anwar confirmed that Li would represent China at the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur at the end of October.
