Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is maintaining its target to commence operations of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in January 2027. Minister Anthony Loke emphasized that system testing and inspections are yet to begin, but the ministry considers operational readiness, beyond mere track construction, as the most crucial element before services can start.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Loke highlighted during a press conference after his 2026 New Year Address at the MOT assembly that rail systems extend beyond just tracks. He stressed the importance of system integration as a priority, noting that testing has not yet commenced, which is why the ministry is adhering to the January next year timeline.

The minister referenced MOT's extensive experience with rail systems, pointing to earlier operational challenges with the KLIA Terminal 1 aerotrain service and the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3), where system and software issues previously hampered operations, as valuable lessons learned.

Loke further explained that system integration testing is the most demanding phase of rail projects, as it ensures all components function reliably and in sync before full operations can begin. He assured that MOT will continue to oversee the project, ensuring all technical criteria are fulfilled to guarantee the safety, reliability, and seamless operation of the ECRL.

According to earlier reports, the ECRL project, which spans the regions of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, had reached 89 per cent overall completion as of October 2025.