Malaysia, China agree on proposed ECRL extension to Rantau Panjang

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang have reached an agreement on extending the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, according to the Malaysian Prime Minister. The extension is expected to boost economic activity in remote areas of Kelantan that have been previously neglected and establish a direct transport link with Thailand.

Further discussions with all stakeholders will be held before the proposal is presented to the Cabinet for consideration. Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Finance Minister, received positive feedback on the proposal during his discussions with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The 665km ECRL project, connecting the west coast and east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, includes 20 stations, with 10 dedicated to passenger transport and 10 dedicated to freight and passenger transport.

The meeting between the two Premiers was significant as it covered strategic issues faced by both countries and the ASEAN region, as well as providing updates on key issues for the upcoming US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting in Washington. Anwar Ibrahim also expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for providing consular aid to Malaysians affected by recent floods and landslides in Tibet.