Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link enters new phase

Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link, or ECRL, a flagship Belt and Road project, entered a new phase as system checks began on Friday.

It marks an important step toward commercial operations and underscores China's role in Southeast Asia's infrastructure push.

Minister of Transport Malaysia Anthony Loke Siew Fook officiated the ceremony at the Integrated Transport Terminal Gombak in the state of Selangor.

Recalling the groundbreaking ceremony at the same site in June 2024, which was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Loke said the transformation of the site demonstrated the rapid progress of the project.

"Back then, this area was still an empty field," he said, noting that construction of the Integrated Transport Terminal Gombak is nearing 99 percent completion after just 26 months.

Loke said the rail link would significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel times for passengers.

The ceremony also marked the beginning of two key tests — both of which will be conducted by the China Communications Construction Company, or CCCC.

Zhang Bingnan, CCCC's president, said the start of the tests was a key step toward the completion of the first phase.

The first phase of the rail link, which runs from Kota Bharu in Kelantan to Gombak, is scheduled to be finished in December, with commercial operations targeted to begin in January 2027. The second phase, from Gombak to Port Klang in Selangor, is expected to be completed by December 2027.

The ECRL is expected to be fully operational by January 2028. Zhang said construction will be carried out with "high standards, quality and efficiency, delivering a landmark railway that stands the test of time".

One of the tests carried out by CCCC focuses on the integration of the railway's key systems, including signaling, communications and traction power. The other is an 8,000-kilometer trial run to make sure the system is safe, reliable and efficient ahead of passenger operations.

From January 2027, Loke said Malaysians will be able to use the service to return to their hometown, especially during Eid al-Fitr — a widely celebrated religious holiday in Muslim-majority Malaysia.

The journey from Gombak to the city of Kuantan will take about one hour and 35 minutes by ECRL express service, compared with about three hours by road.

Loke also stressed the importance of "seamless mobility", saying modern and efficient rail connections such as the ECRL could become a catalyst for the development of cities, towns and communities across Malaysia.

He said the project also seeks to incorporate local cultural identity into its infrastructure. Designs for major stations draw inspiration from the architectural heritage, history and culture of the states along the route.