Anwar: ECRL first before considering more high-speed rail projects
HANGZHOU: The government will focus on the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project first before considering further steps to expand high-speed rail transport facilities in Malaysia, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the government will concentrate on the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project before contemplating additional high-speed rail advancements in Malaysia. Anwar emphasized that investing in transport infrastructure required considering costs, implementation timelines, and balancing them with other development priorities.
Although he acknowledged the importance of service, speed, and quality, he stressed that the ECRL should be the primary focus first. During his journey on a high-speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou, Anwar expressed admiration for the speed and service of the HSR system, drawing comparisons to his previous experiences using high-speed rail services in Japan and traveling by train from Paris to London.
However, he highlighted that Malaysia's infrastructure development must be executed based on the country's priorities and capabilities. Besides focusing on transport, Anwar underscored other essential priorities, such as repairing schools. Currently in Shanghai for a working visit at the invitation of the Chinese government, Anwar is set to attend the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition and meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang for a dinner tonight.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
