Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook pointed out that the cabinet has approved the proposal by Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) to convert the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project from a single-track dual-gauge railway to a double-track railway.
He said this proposal involves section D of the ECRL, from the Jalan Kastam station at Port Klang to North Port and West Port, spanning a total length of 25 kilometers.
He mentioned that the double-track railway construction does not require additional government funding and will not increase the ECRL's overall development cost.
"The cabinet agreed to adopt the double-track railway construction, which includes a new standard-gauge railway for ECRL trains, while retaining the existing meter-gauge railway for use by KTM Berhad (KTMB)."
"This will enhance rail freight capacity and improve the efficiency of rail transport to North Port and West Port."
He said this at a press conference today (17th) after attending the Port Klang Authority's Chinese New Year gathering and the launch of the Malaysia Maritime Single Window (MMSW). Attendees included Port Klang Authority Chairman Ean Yong Hian Wah.
Loke Siew Fook mentioned that after changing to a double-track railway, KTMB and ECRL trains will be able to operate independently without relying on each other, bringing significant positive effects.
"Upon completion, the project will increase the rail freight capacity to North Port and West Port and enhance the efficiency of the country's import and export trade sector."
He added that MRL, as the owner company of the ECRL project, together with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) as the main contractor, will release detailed tender information by the end of this month, with a priority given to qualified Bumiputera contractors experienced in the railway industry.
In addition, Loke Siew Fook noted that even with the addition of the new scope of section D, the total construction cost of the ECRL project remains lower than the construction cost signed in 2017, when the plan only extended to Jalan Kastam and did not connect North Port and West Port.
He stated that the route of section D holds strategic significance as it will complete the land bridge network connecting the east coast and west coast ports, optimizing the operational efficiency of both ECRL and KTMB freight railways.
"Moreover, this route will ensure seamless connectivity between Kuantan Port and the freight terminals at Port Klang's North Port and West Port, arriving at Port Klang facilities via the Serendah Bypass."
The entire ECRL extends 665 kilometers, spanning the east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang, and connecting to Selangor on the west coast. The segment from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal is expected to be completed by December 2026 and start operations in January 2027.
As for the railway extension from Gombak to Port Klang, it is expected to be completed by December 2027 and be fully operational by January 2028.
Additionally, Loke Siew Fook pointed out that Port Klang aims to handle 15 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) this year, an increase of 2.3% from last year. This target will be supported by domestic economic growth, infrastructure project development, manufacturing and logistics freight growth, and government trade-friendly policies.
He said that in 2024, Port Klang's container throughput is expected to reach 14.64 million TEUs, representing a 4.5% growth from 2023, accounting for about 47.7% of the country's total container throughput.
"This is a historic achievement for Port Klang since it began container (handling) services in 1973."
He also mentioned that the MMSW system has been expanded to ports nationwide and will be fully implemented at Port Klang by June 10, 2024.
He said that according to statistics recorded by the MMSW system, from June 1 to December 31, 2024, a total of 10,682 ships used the system to complete port entry and exit procedures at ports across the country.