Malaysia, China agree on proposed ECRL extension to Rantau Panjang

HANGZHOU, Sept 24 — Malaysia and China have reached an agreement on the proposed expansion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang in Kelantan, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The extension aims to spur economic activity in Kelantan's secluded regions and establish a direct route to Thailand.

Further discussions with all stakeholders will take place prior to the proposal being presented to the Cabinet for review. Anwar also received positive responses to the proposal during his talks with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The 665-kilometer ECRL, a land transportation project, connects the West and East Coasts of Peninsular Malaysia via 20 stations, including 10 passenger and 10 mixed freight and passenger stations.

Anwar was joined at the press conference by Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Johari Abdul Ghani, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and Malaysian Ambassador to China Norman Muhamad. Today's bilateral discussions with Premier Li Qiang were deemed crucial, covering strategic matters in Malaysia, China, and the ASEAN region, as well as insights into the agenda for the upcoming U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting in Washington, DC.

Anwar stated that tariff restrictions and trade pressure from the U.S. were discussed but Malaysia remains neutral, maintaining direct dialogue with the U.S., of which China is aware. The Prime Minister also extended congratulations to 22 Malaysian participants competing in the 48th WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, concluding until the end of the week.

Earlier, Anwar inaugurated the Malaysia Pavilion at the Fifth Global Digital Trade Expo at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Centre, highlighting Malaysia's strengths and innovations in digital trade, artificial intelligence, cloud services, smart healthcare, and cross-border e-commerce. The Malaysian companies showcased their capabilities in the global digital marketplace, coordinated by Matrade.

Anwar departed for Malaysia at 4:15pm local time after completing his three-day working visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou, China.