Latest news with #Malaysian-Thai
The Star
12-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
ECRL project hits major milestone
Mega build: Loke officiating the Genting ECRL Project Tunnel excavation works ceremony in Bentong, Pahang.— MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star Breakthrough of Genting Tunnel sets regional railway record BENTONG: Malaysia's major infrastructure project, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), has reached a significant milestone with the breakthrough of the 16.39km Genting Tunnel – a new regional record. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Genting Tunnel is set to become the longest railway tunnel in South-East Asia upon its completion. 'It will certainly complement international trade by boosting export-oriented industries and making Malaysia more attractive to businesses,' he said at the breakthrough ceremony yesterday. 'Its last-mile connectivity between Kuantan Port and Port Klang will bring the east and west coasts closer together and ease the transfer of goods along the ECRL network.' Loke said the tunnel breakthrough symbolises not only a major engineering achievement but also the fruitful collaboration between Malaysia and China. This milestone, he added, also reflects the strong cooperation among ECRL personnel at all levels, particularly in managing excavation works across the 41 tunnels along the rail alignment. 'The ECRL is also touted as a game changer for the movement of passengers and freight in Peninsular Malaysia. It will link state capitals, key urban centres, industrial hubs, seaports, airports, and tourism zones while integrating with existing railway lines along its corridor,' he said. The Genting Tunnel has also been officially recognised in the Malaysia Book of Records for two achievements: being the longest railway tunnel and having the highest overburden. Speaking at a press conference later, Loke noted that the tunnels were designed with environmental considerations in mind, especially in traversing the Titiwangsa mountain range. 'The tunnels also reduce the need for cutting down trees,' he said. Loke also praised the strong partnership with China, stating that the project's deliverability had been clearly demonstrated. On plans to extend the ECRL to the Malaysian-Thai border, Loke said the proposal is under consideration. 'The distance from Kota Baru station to the border is about 32km. We are looking into the plan, but it is still at the study and proposal stage at the ministerial level,' he said, adding that the proposal may be tabled for Cabinet approval next year. The estimated cost of the extension is around RM2bil. The ECRL project, with a total estimated cost of RM50.27bil, spans 665km and will feature 20 stations across Peninsular Malaysia. The first phase, stretching from Kota Baru, Kelantan, to the Gombak Integrated Terminal in Selangor, is expected to be completed by December 2026 with operations slated to begin in January 2027. Phase Two, connecting Gombak to Port Klang, is scheduled for completion by December 2027 and is expected to be fully operational by January 2028.
New Straits Times
21-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Speed up Thai border wall project, says Kelantan sultan
KOTA BARU: Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V today urged swift approval of a proposed wall and buffer zone along the Malaysian-Thai border in Sungai Golok. "I take the security issue along the Malaysian-Thai border seriously and hope the wall and buffer zone project can be implemented soon." He said this at the opening ceremony of the state legislative assembly. Sultan Muhammad V expressed appreciation for the strong federal-state relationship. He highlighted collaboration in infrastructure, land use, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation in Kelantan. "I urge that the Kelantan and Golok Rivers Integrated River Basin Projects be expedited to address flood issues in the state. "Priority should be given to the construction of the Lebir Dam, which is needed to resolve flood problems in Kelantan," he said. The ruler said Kelantan still lags in attracting foreign investment compared with west coast states that have ports and better trade facilities. "Infrastructure development must be accelerated, along with competitive tax incentives to draw more investors." Sultan Muhammad V said he had been informed that the state government had submitted a list of applications for the First Rolling Plan under the 13th Malaysia Plan. "I hope the planned focus will lead to more inclusive and sustainable development. "This can drive economic growth and boost the state's competitiveness. "Key focus areas should include manufacturing to attract investment, better water and road infrastructure, and stronger emphasis on agriculture and tourism." The ruler expressed hope that an agricultural produce collection centre in Lojing could be developed immediately to transform the sub-district into an agricultural hub. "I urge departments, agencies and government-linked companies involved in the agriculture sector to remain focused on their functions and to intensify efforts to ensure food security for the state and the nation," He urged the state to prioritise new townships in every district as industrial growth catalysts. "These new townships should adopt the smart city concept. "In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), technical and digital skills are becoming increasingly important. "With the right skills, young people can be more competitive and contribute to human capital development. "Therefore, I urge the state government to explore and provide alternative education platforms, particularly in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), to meet the needs of industries."
