Beijing: The proposal to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, which borders Thailand, is still in the initial discussion phase, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed. 'The team will have to follow through with the details, costing, and payment mode. Because it is a continuation, the cost will probably be much less,' he informed the Malaysian media during a news conference before concluding his four-day visit to China.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar discussed the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in separate bilateral meetings. The proposal involves extending the ECRL by 20 to 25 kilometers to Rantau Panjang near the Thai border. Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, expressed hope that the proposal could be realized as part of the government's efforts to develop the region. He noted that the area from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, particularly Rantau Panjang, is underdeveloped and that a station there could enhance the development and business ecosystem.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke mentioned to the Dewan Rakyat last month that further discussions with China and the main contractor, China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC), are necessary since the project is currently under construction and the alignment to Rantau Panjang is part of the overall package.
In other developments, Anwar confirmed that Li will represent China at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur at the end of October. Meanwhile, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zaful Abdul Aziz stated that business meetings in Beijing secured RM905 million in potential investments, especially in the chemical and telecommunication sectors. Malaysia has also secured RM108 million in potential exports through China's one-stop e-commerce platform JD.com.
He further added that discussions with the China Semiconductor Industrial Association (CSIA) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) could result in an export potential of RM2.2 billion over the next one to two years, with semiconductor trade between Malaysia and China on the rise.
Besides meeting with CSIA, Anwar engaged in high-level business discussions with leading Chinese companies during his visit, which began in Tianjin on August 31. This included Rianlon Corporation, which pledged RM820 million to develop a research and development center in Johor. Talks with JD.com in Beijing also attracted interest in expanding the logistics sector in Malaysia, with JD.com intending to purchase more Malaysian products for the Chinese market.
During a business dialogue with 120 Chinese leaders from various sectors, Anwar promoted Malaysia as a regional hub for Chinese business, highlighting the country's economic policies, strategic infrastructure, and stable environment as key advantages for investors.