ECRL extension to Thailand brings long-term benefits, says Loke

KUALA LUMPUR: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project should be extended to the northern border and integrated with the Thai rail network to unlock its full potential, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

Loke said the proposal to extend the ECRL to Rantau Panjang would bring long-term benefits to residents and the country.

“To ensure this proposal provides the best long-term benefits for the country and stimulates the local border economy, it must connect to Thailand and not just end in Rantau Panjang,” Loke said during Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday (Aug 19).

He said his ministry met Thailand’s deputy prime minister in Bangkok on May 2 and presented Malaysia’s proposal for the rail extension.

Thailand responded positively and is currently seeking feedback from its Transport Ministry.

“At the same time, our Transport Ministry is preparing a Cross Border Transport memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thailand to ensure cross-border rail can be realised,” Loke added.

Loke was responding to Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Perikatan–Pasir Mas), who asked about the extension proposal.

He said a technical study has not been carried out and is necessary to determine flood risks along the ECRL lines in Rantau Panjang and the type of tracks used.

Loke explained that the ECRL uses a standard gauge (1.435 metres wide), while the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) uses a 1,000mm metre gauge.

“We must allow SRT trains beside ECRL tracks so cargo transfers can be made,” he said.

He added that several issues require detailed technical studies to determine feasibility.

Hassan Karim (PH–Pasir Gudang) asked if Malaysia will benefit from such a mega project, to which Loke agreed.

“There will be technology transfer and benefits to locals. These were among the terms discussed with China in 2018.

“One of our terms is that 40% of components must be manufactured by local contractors,” Loke said.

He added that Malaysia will cooperate with China to operate the high-speed railway when the ECRL is completed.

“We emphasised that Malaysian students should be exposed to the technology and should staff ECRL services,” he said.

Last month, Malaysia and Thailand agreed to revive the line between Pasir Mas and Sungai Golok under Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) to reconnect the railway networks.

The ECRL project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Train services from Kota Baru to Gombak will start in January 2027, while the line from Gombak to Port Klang is expected to be completed a year later.