HANGZHOU — Malaysia and China have agreed on the proposed extension of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the project would not only stimulate economic activity in the remote areas of Kelantan which had previously been left behind, but would also establish a direct transport link with Thailand.

“Further discussions on the ECRL proposal will be held with all stakeholders before it is brought to the Cabinet for consideration,” Anwar told the Malaysian media at the conclusion of his working visit to China today.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said he also received positive feedback on the proposal during his discussions with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

The 665-kilometre ECRL is a land transportation project providing fast cross-regional services connecting the West Coast and East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

The ECRL route, starting in Kota Bharu and ending at Port Klang, will link 20 stations, including 10 passenger stations and another 10 stations that will combine both freight and passenger transport.

Also present at the press conference were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad.