The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is progressing steadily in Malaysia. Built by China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC), the 665-kilometer railway will connect the country’s east and west coasts, boosting regional connectivity and economic development.
The project has overcome multiple technical challenges using Chinese technology and engineering solutions. It has introduced Malaysia’s largest tunnel boring machine, completed the country’s first 500-meter welded rails, and adopted advanced track-laying methods, setting several engineering records.
“The ECRL has set multiple engineering records in Malaysia,” said project general manager Deng Bo. “By introducing advanced Chinese technology and adapting to local conditions, we’ve created a model for integrating Chinese and Malaysian standards, offering valuable experience for the global application of Chinese standards.”
Beyond infrastructure, the ECRL is improving lives along its route. In Selangor’s Gombak district, residents say the project has brought better roads and support services. In the east coast states of Kelantan, local products like fish sauce and textiles are expected to reach wider markets through rail transport.
“My hometown produces songket textiles, fish sauce, and shrimp paste — traditional specialties that used to rely solely on road transport. Now, they’ll be shipped by train to ports and exported worldwide”, said a trainee assistant locomotive driver from Kelantan.
Tourism is also seeing early benefits. In Terengganu, the village of Kampung Tok Hakim is now home to the Terengganu River Bridge, one of the ECRL’s four mega bridges.
“In the past, villagers mostly sold agricultural goods. With the construction of the railway, more tourists are projected to come. We’re preparing to open shops and markets,” said a village chief in Terengganu state.
To date, the project has created over 21,000 job opportunities and partnered with around 2,000 Malaysian companies. More than 10,000 local workers have joined the construction effort.
Talent development is another key focus. Over 1,500 Malaysians have received training in railway construction and operations. Some trainees have studied in China and are preparing to become Malaysia’s first generation of professional train drivers. This year, around 200 students will continue their railway studies in China through a government-supported program.
Former Malaysian transport minister Ong Tee Keat said the ECRL will serve as a land bridge between coasts and a symbol of Belt and Road cooperation. “It will play a vital role in Malaysia’s future development,” He added.
(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)
