Latest news with #MalaysiaRailLink
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
First ECRL electric trains and locomotives to arrive by end-2025
DUNGUN: The first two Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains and two electric locomotives (E-Loco) for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project are set to arrive by the end of this year. Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) confirmed the delivery, which will support commissioning tests ahead of passenger and freight operations starting in June 2026. MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak stated that an additional nine EMU sets and 18 locomotives will be delivered between April and May 2025. 'In total, there will be 11 EMU trains for passenger services and 20 locomotives for freight operations,' he said during the launch of the 2025 POLYCC TVET Mega Fiesta at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Polytechnic (PSMZA). Darwis also announced that MRL will send 109 students from higher learning institutions to China for the ECRL Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL) between August and October this year. Trainees are guaranteed jobs with the ECRL project, offering a starting salary of RM3,000. 'In May, we sent 101 students from polytechnics and MARA institutions for the same programme. PSMZA alone had around 60 students selected,' he added. The collaboration between TVET institutions and industry partners is vital in developing a skilled workforce ready for global challenges. – Bernama
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
First ECRL electric trains and locomotives to arrive by end-2024
DUNGUN: The first two Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains and two electric locomotives (E-Loco) for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project are set to arrive by the end of this year. Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) confirmed the delivery, which will support commissioning tests ahead of passenger and freight operations starting in June 2026. MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak stated that an additional nine EMU sets and 18 locomotives will be delivered between April and May 2025. 'In total, there will be 11 EMU trains for passenger services and 20 locomotives for freight operations,' he said during the launch of the 2025 POLYCC TVET Mega Fiesta at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Polytechnic (PSMZA). Darwis also announced that MRL will send 109 students from higher learning institutions to China for the ECRL Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL) between August and October this year. Trainees are guaranteed jobs with the ECRL project, offering a starting salary of RM3,000. 'In May, we sent 101 students from polytechnics and MARA institutions for the same programme. PSMZA alone had around 60 students selected,' he added. The collaboration between TVET institutions and industry partners is vital in developing a skilled workforce ready for global challenges. – Bernama
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
First ECRL electric trains, locomotives to arrive by end 2025
DUNGUN: The first two sets of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains and two electric locomotives for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project are expected to arrive by the end of this year, says Malaysia Rail Link (MRL). MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said the arrival is intended to support commissioning tests for both passenger and freight train operations, scheduled to begin in June 2026. He said that in the next phase, an additional nine EMU sets and 18 locomotives will be delivered in stages between April and May next year. "In total, there will be 11 EMU trains for passenger services and 20 locomotives for freight operations," he said when met at the launch of the 2025 POLYCC TVET Mega Fiesta at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Polytechnic (PSMZA) here on Tuesday (July 15). Darwis also announced that MRL would send a total of 109 students from higher learning institutions to undergo the ECRL Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL) in Liuzhou, China, in stages from August to October 2025. He said all trainees are guaranteed job placements with the ECRL project upon completing their training, with a starting salary of RM3,000. "In May, we sent 101 students from institutions such as polytechnics and Mara to participate in the PLKI-ECRL programme. "The synergy between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and industry partners is crucial in shaping a highly skilled, resilient workforce prepared for global challenges," he said. – Bernama
Asia News Network
02-07-2025
- Business
- Asia News Network
Malaysia's railway setback linked to site theft
June 23, 2025 PETALING JAYA – The target to complete the much-touted East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project by December next year is facing an unexpected obstacle – theft of signalling equipment and communication cables. The contractors have a fight on their hands with over 1,200m of signalling cables reported stolen along its alignment, with 81 outdoor transformer units also removed. According to Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) Sdn Bhd, the thieves used non-professional cutting tools to get the job done hastily, and even came with transportation. While cable theft or vandalism is a common problem, thefts along the ECRL track are distressing as the cables and transformers are custom-made, with usual delivery time taking up to six months. The 665km ECRL, which connects the Klang Valley to the East Coast, is scheduled to be completed by December next year. It will carry both passengers and freight from the west coast of the country to the east and vice- versa, with speeds of up to 160kph for passenger trains and 80kph for freight trains. The project, which began in 2017, has recorded an overall progress of 82.45%. MRL is the special purpose entity to execute the ECRL project. MRL CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said there were at least two known instances of such thefts along the ECRL alignment. 'The thefts may delay the project delivery. 'We were very much looking forward to the testing and commissioning phase in June next year,' he added. Since the start of the Communications, Information and Signaling (CIS) systems installation at the ECRL KotaSAS Station in Pahang this March, thieves have struck at no less than seven locations – Paya Besar, Cherating and Kuantan Port City (all in Pahang); Chukai, Dungun and Kemasik (Terengganu) and Pasir Puteh in Kelantan. At the areas near the KotaSAS Station, the contractor involved, China Communications Construction ECRL Project (CCCC-ECRL) found that some fibre optic cables were left behind after being cut. Fibre optic cables are said to be worthless in the scrap market as it does not contain metal. However, the 1,200m of signalling cable which were stolen did contain some metal. Darwis said MRL will meet with the respective state police chiefs to discuss comprehensive asset protection measures and also raise the issue with the relevant ministers. Observers note that protecting trackside assets was difficult as cables were often placed in concrete troughs, with thieves just needing to remove the cover to gain quick access to the cable bundle. Darwis said CCCC-ECRL will bear the losses from the thefts as the project has not been handed over to the government yet. 'That said, we as the project owner will also do our part to curb this problem. The ECRL project team is working closely with police to engage those in the scrap collection or recycling business,' he said. 'We have engaged security personnel to patrol the areas and will install CCTVs at critical areas, although it is not easy to keep watch over such a long alignment,' he said. It is learnt that the on-ground portions of the entire alignment will be eventually fenced up to prevent intrusions. 'In the meantime, we appeal to the public to help us by quickly alerting authorities if they spot suspicious activities along the alignment,' Darwis said. Yuslizar Daud, former head of the Land Public Transport Commission's (now defunct SPAD) Rail Division, said these types of theft were tough to overcome. 'It happens all over the world. In the United Kingdom, Network Rail lost almost £20mil (RM114.4mill) a year due to cable theft. 'Here, thieves are very smart and well-organised, with intricate networks. They are always 100 steps ahead of the operators,' he said. Yuslizar said the only way to effectively resolve the problem was for all rail operators to come together and share intelligence, resources and data. CCCC-ECRL managing director Deng Bo said theft or vandalism of rail infrastructure was a serious crime in China as it threatened the safety of rail operations, and hence, public safety. Officials said if equipment theft continues unabated, Malaysia will suffer losses as it will have to bear half the operational losses, if any, when the trains start running by early 2027.
Free Malaysia Today
23-06-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Pahang cops to set up anti-cable theft task force at ECRL sites
MRL had expressed concern following reports of cable theft at certain locations along the ECRL alignment, spanning Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Pahang police will establish a task force to prevent theft at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project sites in Kuantan. Pahang police chief Yahaya Othman said police had received 10 reports related to theft at the project's construction locations since last month, with estimated losses reaching RM200,000. He said cases involving theft of cables and iron had been reported along the ECRL project route in Cherating, Gebeng and Gambang, but no arrests had been made so far. 'We are still tracking down the individuals involved, and strict action will be taken against them according to legal provisions,' Bernama quoted him as saying. Those involved in cable theft may be prosecuted under Section 431A of the Penal Code for mischief by damaging cables, punishable by two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both, upon conviction. Yahaya said police had suggested that the project management acquire the services of auxiliary police to curb such thefts. 'We are ready to cooperate with Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd in addressing this issue. 'The public is also urged to report to police if they have information about any party trying to sell cables or other construction materials,' he said. He also warned the public not to buy stolen goods as it was an offence punishable under Section 411 of the Penal Code with up to five years' imprisonment, a fine,or both, if convicted. Earlier today, transport minister Loke Siew Fook said police must take firm action against cable thefts at ECRL project sites as this could disrupt the smooth progress and implementation of the project. MRL also expressed concern following reports of cable theft at locations along the ECRL alignment, spanning Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor.
