ECRL Construction In Pahang Over 90 Pct Complete

KUANTAN, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The construction of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) alignment in Pahang, which includes seven stations, is now over 90 per cent complete.

Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak credited this achievement to the strong cooperation between the state government, technical agencies, and dedicated contractors.

“This positive development also contributes to the overall progress of the ECRL project, which now stands at 88.08 per cent as of October.

“Pahang is among the best-performing states with over 90 per cent completed. Construction works at the seven stations are being carried out simultaneously and remain on track,” he told reporters after the Balloting for Bumiputera Subcontractor G1 and G2 Work Packages for the ECRL project here today.

The event was also attended by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

Darwis said the balloting shows MRL’s commitment to involve more local contractors, especially Bumiputera companies in the G1 and G2 categories, in minor construction works around the ECRL stations.

“It is now time for them to take part in small but important works to complete the station infrastructure,” he said.

He added that the participation of small contractors not only speeds up the project but also helps boost the local economy around the construction areas.

Darwis also said two electric multiple units (EMUs) and two locomotives are now being shipped from Dalian, China, and are expected to arrive in Malaysia by the end of December.

A total of 11 EMUs and 20 locomotives will be received in stages until May next year to prepare for the first phase of ECRL operations.

He said the Pahang government has also shown interest in adding spur lines in several strategic areas, but discussions are still at an early stage and require approval from the Ministry of Transport.

-- BERNAMA