Malaysia agrees to cost increase in China-backed East Coast Rail Link, taking longer route
- The latest revision, agreed by Muhyiddin Yassin’s government, increases the cost to US$12.08 billion, and takes the length back up to 665km
- The transport ministry said the project linking the east coast city of Kota Baharu to Port Klang on the west coast can still be completed within seven years
The Malaysian unit of China Communications Construction Co Ltd, CCC-ECRL, is contracted to build the line.
Malaysia says China-backed ECRL on track despite Covid-19
Mahathir put the project on ice because of allegations of corruption and to discuss the price. However, he lost power a year ago.
Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong said in a statement that the changes to the project enhanced “the viability of the ECRL project and provide further economic, environmental, and social benefits.”
The ministry said construction was in full swing and the project linking the east coast city of Kota Baharu to Port Klang on the west coast can still be completed within seven years, allowing services to commence in 2027 despite the changes to the route.
As of last month, 21.4 per cent of the project had been completed, it said.