Plan To Extend ECRL To Rantau Panjang Still In Initial Discussion Stage - Anwar

From Voon Miaw Ping

BEIJING, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- The proposal to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, bordering the Thai border is still in the initial discussion stage, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

“The team will have to follow through with the details, costing, and payment mode. Because it is a continuation, the cost will probably be much less,” he told the Malaysian media in a news conference before concluding his four-day visit to China.

Anwar said the matter was also discussed with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in separate bilateral meetings here yesterday.

"The proposal is towards that direction, between 20 and 25 kilometres to Rantau Panjang near the Thai border," he said.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, hopes that the proposal can be realised in the government's efforts to develop the area.

"The area from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, especially Rantau Panjang, is a bit underdeveloped.

"We hope that with this and a station there, the development and business ecosystem can be improved," he said.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke told the Dewan Rakyat last month that further discussions with China and main contractor China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC) are needed because the project is currently under construction and the alignment to Rantau Panjang is part of the overall package.

On another development, Anwar confirmed that Li will represent China at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur at the end of October.

Meanwhile, the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zaful Abdul Aziz said business meetings held in Beijing had overall successfully secured RM905 million of potential investments, particularly in the chemical and telecommunication sectors.

Malaysia has secured RM108 million in potential exports via China’s one-stop e-commerce platform JD.com.

“We also met with the China Semiconductor Industrial Association’s (CSIA) representatives and had discussions with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). This has resulted in an export potential of RM2.2 billion over the next one to two years. Furthermore, semiconductor trade between Malaysia and China is on the rise,” he said.

Besides the CSIA, Anwar also held high-level business engagements with top Chinese companies during his working visit which began in Tianjin on Aug 31.

This included Rianlon Corporation, a leading Chinese conglomerate in anti-ageing additives for polymers and cosmetics, which resulted in the company pledging a commitment to invest RM820 million to develop a research and development centre in Johor. 

Anwar also held talks with China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), the largest global infrastructure services provider and discussed the development of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

His meeting with JD.com in Beijing attracted the leading Chinese e-commerce and logistics retailer’s interest to expand in the logistics sector in Malaysia

He said JD.com also intends to buy more Malaysian products to market in China.

During a business dialogue with 120 Chinese leaders from various sectors, Anwar promoted Malaysia as a regional hub for Chinese business.

He highlighted the country’s clear economic policies, strategic infrastructure and stable environment as among the key advantages for investors.

-- BERNAMA