Melaka: Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) has been directed to closely supervise the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, which has achieved 85 per cent completion. This directive was conveyed by Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar during the 32nd MRL Board of Directors meeting, which coincided with a retreat that commenced yesterday in Melaka.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri highlighted the importance of preventing disruptions such as rail encroachments by irresponsible parties, as they could impact the project timeline and delay the start of operations, scheduled for early 2027.

He expressed confidence that the ECRL project would serve as a landmark of national pride and act as a catalyst for economic revitalization along its alignment and neighboring areas, benefiting both the people and the nation. He emphasized that this aligns with the ‘Kesejahteraan’ (prosperity) element in the MADANI principle, achievable through a combined effort of government, nation, and private sector synergy.

In a separate Facebook post, Shamsul Azri stated that the MRL retreat is crucial for focusing on the ECRL’s direction and operational targets. He noted that MRL is collaborating with numerous parties to ensure an efficient rail operating ecosystem and create local job opportunities. Additionally, the project is expected to open up business opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and improve connectivity between the West Coast and East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.