Kuantan, 11 February 2026 — The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) reached another significant milestone with the official launch of its first passenger and freight train sets at KotaSAS Station, marking strong progress towards operational readiness.

The project has now achieved over 91% completion, with preparations intensifying ahead of the commencement of operations between Gombak and Kota Bharu, expected in approximately 11 months.

The unveiling ceremony featured the introduction of two six-car Golden Train Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) sets for passenger services, along with an Electric Locomotive (E-Loco) designed for freight operations. The train sets recently arrived in Malaysia after completing comprehensive testing overseas and will undergo further testing locally, including an 8,000km fault-free run.

The event was officiated by Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke, and attended by Communications Minister YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil; Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar; the Ambassador of China to Malaysia, TYT Ouyang Yujing; Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer YBhg. Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak; and senior representatives from Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) and key project stakeholders.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Transport Minister highlighted the ECRL’s role in strengthening Malaysia’s integrated rail transport system through improved connectivity with the existing national rail network. The project is expected to enhance mobility, support business growth, and serve as a catalyst for economic development across the peninsula.

The ECRL project also reflects the strong cooperation between Malaysia and China under the Belt and Road Initiative, reinforcing bilateral ties while advancing national infrastructure development.

In addition to the train launch, Maxis Bhd was unveiled as the telecommunications provider responsible for delivering mobile network infrastructure along the ECRL alignment, supporting seamless connectivity for passengers and operations.

With additional train sets scheduled to arrive this year, the ECRL continues to move steadily toward full operational readiness,bringing Malaysia closer to a more connected, efficient, and future-ready rail network.

6 January 2026 – China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn. Bhd. (CCC-ECRL) recently hosted a high-level visit to Malaysia by Mr. Song Hailiang, Chairman of China Communications Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC), together with senior delegations. During the visit, the delegation paid courtesy calls on YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Chief Secretary to the Government and YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, Menteri Besar of Selangor. These engagements reflect the strong partnership and ongoing collaboration between Malaysia and China in advancing the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

The discussions focused on the progress of the ECRL project and the shared commitment to ensuring its timely and effective implementation. The ECRL was recognised as a strategic national infrastructure project that supports Malaysia’s long term development goals and strengthens bilateral relations between Malaysia and China.

The meetings also provided an opportunity to exchange views on future collaboration, including sustainable development and local talent development. CCC-ECRL reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Malaysian Government and all relevant stakeholders to deliver the ECRL in accordance with delivered on schedule, meet the highest quality standards, and bring lasting benefits to the nation and its people.

18 November 2025 – CRRC Dalian successfully held the rollout ceremony for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Electric Multiple Units (EMU) and locomotives, marking another major milestone in the development of the ECRL project. The ceremony celebrated the completion of the trains specially designed and manufactured for the ECRL project, featuring advanced technology, enhanced safety standards, and optimized passenger comfort. This event signifies the transition from the manufacturing phase to the upcoming transportation, testing, and commissioning phase in Malaysia.

In honor of this significant achievement, Mr. Deng Bo, Managing Director of China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn. Bhd. (CCC-ECRL), and Dato’ Sri Darwis, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Rail Link (MRL), together with other senior management representatives, travelled to Dalian to personally witness this meaningful moment. Following the ceremony, the newly completed EMUs and locomotives were officially flagged off for shipment to Malaysia, where they will support the next steps toward operational readiness and bring the project closer to serving the nation’s growing transportation needs.

4 November 2025 – The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is proud to announce the successful completion of civil works at C1B Segment, marking a significant milestone in the project’s progress and the completion of the initial phase of civil works along the alignment from Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal.

The C1B Segment covers a technically crucial stretch between the Genting Tunnel exit and the Gombak Integrated Terminal Station. This section includes the Gombak Tunnel, two major bridges, and subgrade works, all of which serve as vital components in connecting the East and West Coast segments of the ECRL alignment. The achievement reflects the project team’s commitment to engineering excellence, safety, and efficient project delivery.

To commemorate this important achievement, a site visit and ceremony were held at Gombak Site near to Bridge No. 28 to showcase the successful completion of C1B civil works. The event was graced by distinguished guests including Mr. Bai Yinzhan, Chairman of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC); Mr. Deng Bo, Managing Director of China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn. Bhd (CCCECRL); and Dato’ Sri Darwis, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Rail Link (MRL), among other key management.

The completion of the C1B Segment marks another step forward toward the realization of Malaysia’s strategic rail network connecting the East and West Coasts. With continuous progress across remaining sections, the ECRL project remains on track to strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate socio-economic development along its corridor.

14 October 2025 – The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has recently been impacted by a series of cable theft incidents along its alignment in Maran, Pahang. These repeated thefts have not only caused financial losses but also raised serious safety concerns and the risk of delays to the project’s overall timeline.

To address these concerns and raise public awareness of the issue, a media group interview was held at the affected site. The session brought together 18 representatives from leading national and local medias, including Bernama, The Star, Sin Chew Daily, Utusan Malaysia, China Press, Nanyang Siang Pau, RTM, and the New Straits Times.

During the session, representatives from CCCECRL’s Section 13 and 14 provided detailed briefings on the chronology of the thefts, their impact on project progress, and the preventive measures being implemented to deter future incidents.

To give the media a clearer perspective, they were also taken to the affected area to observe firsthand the extent of the damage and the challenges posed by cable theft. This initiative underscored the seriousness of the matter while calling for greater public cooperation in safeguarding critical infrastructure.

CCCECRL project team reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening site security and working closely with enforcement authorities to ensure such incidents are effectively prevented in the future.

12 July 2025 – The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project reached a significant milestone with the recent breakthrough of the Genting Tunnel, a challenging undertaking celebrated with a ceremony attended by esteemed guests. The event saw the presence of YB Tuan Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport, underscoring the government’s commitment to this vital infrastructure project. Also in attendance were Mr Sun Shuqiang, Minister Counsellor of the Economic and Commercial Office, showcasing the strong collaboration between Malaysia and China; Datuk Haji Hasbi bin Haji Habibollah, Deputy Minister of Transport, Dato’ Ali Syabana bin Sabaruddin, Timbalan Setiausaha Kerajaan (Pembangunan), Dato Sri Darwis, CEO of Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) and Mr Deng Bo, CCC-ECRL’s Managing Director.

The Genting Tunnel presents unique engineering challenges, demanding specialized expertise and advanced technology to navigate its complex geological conditions. The ceremony provided a platform to recognize the dedication and hard work of the engineers, workers, and all involved parties. Distinguished guests, including the Minister of Transport, took the opportunity to visit the tunnel site itself, experiencing firsthand the demanding conditions and intricate processes involved in its construction. This firsthand experience allowed them to appreciate the complexities overcome in reaching this significant milestone.

Spanning 16.39 kilometres, the Genting Tunnel is the longest tunnel along the entire ECRL alignment and a standout engineering achievement. Constructed through the rugged Titiwangsa mountain range, the tunnel traverses complex and varied geological conditions, presenting extraordinary engineering challenges.

To overcome these, the project deployed a state-of-the-art Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), One of the largest ever used in Malaysia. The TBM, custom-designed for the tunnel’s demanding conditions, allowed for safe and precise excavation while minimizing environmental impact. Its use exemplifies the project’s adoption of advanced technology to ensure construction quality, safety, and efficiency.

The breakthrough signifies not only progress on the ECRL project but also the successful collaboration and unwavering dedication essential for completing such a challenging infrastructural endeavor. This achievement further solidifies the ECRL’s role in driving economic growth and enhancing connectivity across Malaysia.

20 June 2025 – China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL) recently hosted a successful media delegation trip to China from June 15th to 20th, 2025.  The trip provided exclusive access to key players in the development of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge technology and expertise contributing to Malaysia’s modern rail infrastructure. The delegation, which included Bernama Newswires, Nanyang Siangpau, Sin Chew Daily, China Press, RTM, The Star and The Edge visited crucial facilities in Beijing and Dalian:

In Beijing, they visited the headquarters of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) for discussions on their contributions to the ECRL and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), gaining valuable insights into their respective roles in the ECRL project. The delegation also visited CRRC Dalian, witnessing firsthand their work on the project.

The trip, fully sponsored by CCC-ECRL and Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), aimed to foster greater understanding of the progress and technological advancements driving the ECRL project. The media delegation’s participation was instrumental in disseminating information about the project to the Malaysian public.

6 April 2025 – A significant milestone in the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project was marked with the launch ceremony of ECRL Manpower Recruitment for the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) and the Letter of Offer Presentation for the ECRL Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL O&M) to Liuzhou, China, with the participation including Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Transportation Minister YB Tuan Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Home Affairs YB Senator Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, Chief Secretary to the Government YBhg. Tan Sri Shamsul Azri bin Abu Bakar, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia Mr. Lin Shiguang, CEO of Malaysia Rail Link Dato Sri Darwis and CCC-ECRL’s Managing Director Mr Deng Bo. This ceremony underscored the commitment to local workforce development and the project’s progress toward its operational phase.

The event highlighted the crucial role of skilled Malaysian personnel in the ECRL’s long-term success. The PLKI-ECRL O&M programme, sending 210 trainees to Liuzhou, China for specialized training, ensures a highly-skilled workforce capable of maintaining and operating the advanced railway system. This programme aims to develop skilled personnel for roles such as assistant station attendants, signalling technicians, assistant train drivers, overhead line technicians, and maintenance technicians for electric locomotives (E-loco) and electric multiple units (EMU)

This launch signifies more than just the recruitment of personnel; it represents a critical step towards realizing the ECRL’s full potential. By investing in local talent and fostering a collaborative partnership between Malaysia and China, the project is poised to not only revolutionize transportation in the region but also to drive economic growth and create significant employment opportunities for Malaysians.

15 January 2025

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project surged past a major milestone with the completion of 400 kilometers of track laying from Maran to Kota Bharu —a significant achievement delivered two months ahead of schedule. This remarkable progress, particularly the successful completion of Phase 3, spanning 206 kilometers from Dungun, Terengganu to Kota Bharu, Kelantan, is a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the project’s diverse teams.

The event, marked by a celebration at Kota Bharu Station, showcased not only the impressive scale of the undertaking but also the innovative technology employed, notably the high-performance “CCPG-500A” track laying machine. The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Dato Sri Darwis, CEO of Malaysia Rail Link (MRL), CCC-ECRL’s Managing Director Mr Kong Qi, Ir. Ts. Noor Azlan Salleh, Project Director of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd, Mr Jeflysham Osman, Deputy Project Director of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (System), Mr. Mohd Nizam Daut, Deputy Project Director of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (Infrastructure), Mr Ruan XinMing, Deputy Project Director of China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd and Mr Wu LiZhu, Section 10 General Manager. VIPs were given a firsthand look at the impressive “CCPG-500A” track laying machine in action at the installation site. The event culminated in witnessing the final 300 meters of track installation for Sections A and B.

This remarkable progress underscores the dedication and hard work of the entire ECRL team. The timely completion of this phase signifies a crucial step towards the overall project completion, bringing the nation closer to realizing the transformative potential of the ECRL. The project’s timely progress instills confidence that the promised improvements in connectivity and economic opportunity for the East Coast will soon become a reality.

18 December 2024, Putrajaya

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is raising the bar for rail transportation in Southeast Asia by becoming the first in the region to implement the LTE-Railway (LTE-R) communications network powered by 4G technology. This advanced system promises faster, more reliable communication, underscoring ECRL’s dedication to innovation and excellence.

The RM50.27 billion ECRL project includes the acquisition of state-of-the-art Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains and Electric Locomotives (E-Loco) to serve passenger and cargo needs. The six-car EMU trains, crafted by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Dalian, will carry up to 430 passengers per trip. They are thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, offering wheelchair-friendly seating and spaces for passengers requiring special assistance.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke introduced the striking EMU train design, which combines sleek white and blue tones with intricate batik motifs, a tribute to Malaysia’s cultural heritage. A total of 11 six-car EMU trains will be delivered, with the first set expected to arrive by the end of 2025. These trains will operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, enabling passengers to travel from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal in just four hours when commercial operations begin in January 2027.

Cargo services will also benefit from enhanced efficiency by introducing 12 E-Loco units. To support local expertise and involvement, two units will be assembled at the ECRL depot in Kuantan Port City as part of a technology transfer initiative.

The ECRL project aligns seamlessly with Malaysia’s sustainable transport policies. By shifting freight and passenger movement to rail, the initiative will help reduce road traffic, cut costs, enhance safety, and contribute to a greener environment.

With the first EMU and E-Loco sets arriving in late 2025, the ECRL is well on its way to transforming Malaysia’s transportation landscape while setting new benchmarks for innovation, sustainability, and efficiency.