Kuala terengganu: Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) is preparing for the monsoon season which is expected to hit later this year to ensure that all forms of assistance can be channeled immediately in the event of a flood disaster in the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Project route area. MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak stated that early preparations at all levels have been made to ensure that operations and project routes remain unaffected, while also facilitating aid distribution in impacted areas.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Darwis mentioned that preparations have been made to ensure that aid can be channeled through ECRL in the event of any incident, as has been done in previous years. He affirmed MRL's commitment to deliver support and aid to areas identified as potentially affected by floods. This was stated during a working visit to the Kuala Terengganu ECRL Station.

Darwis highlighted that several high-risk areas have been identified, particularly in the Terengganu and Kelantan alignments, which are potentially affected each monsoon season. He noted that nearly the entire alignment in Terengganu is at risk, with the Pasir Puteh area in Kelantan being the most critical. Preventive measures have been taken, and MRL is prepared to act if an unexpected incident occurs.

Weather factors and the monsoon season have been considered in the ECRL project planning and completion schedule to ensure safe and orderly construction work. Most risk areas have been identified, and appropriate mitigation actions have been implemented to minimize flooding impacts on the local community and the project construction works.

Darwis emphasized that while most risk areas have been identified, the possibility of other areas being affected cannot be ruled out. He assured that if an incident occurs due to ECRL works, MRL will take full responsibility and implement immediate corrective actions.

Meanwhile, he reported that the overall progress of the ECRL project has now reached 88.08 per cent, with the alignment in Terengganu at 93.55 per cent. Bandar Permaisuri Station is 77 per cent completed, while the Kuala Terengganu Main Station is at 68 per cent.

Earlier, Chief Secretary to the Government and MRL chairman Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar announced that the ECRL Phase 1 alignment from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal is expected to be completed in December 2026 and operational in January 2027. Phase 2 from Gombak to Port Klang is expected to be completed in December 2027, enabling the entire project to be fully operational in January 2028.