PUTRAJAYA, Jan 28 — The Transport Ministry (MOT) is maintaining its target to launch the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in January 2027.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that while system testing and inspections have yet to begin, the MOT views operational readiness, not just track construction, as the most critical factor in the rail project before the service starts.
“Rail systems are not just about the tracks. System integration must come first, and testing has not yet begun.
“As such, MOT is maintaining the January next year timeline,” he told a press conference after delivering a New Year’s address at the MOT staff assembly today.
The minister said this is based on MOT’s extensive experience with rail systems, citing past operational challenges with the KLIA Terminal 1 aerotrain and the LRT3, where system and software issues disrupted operations.
He said system integration testing is the most demanding phase of rail projects, as it ensures all components function reliably and are synced.
“MOT will continue to monitor the project and ensure technical requirements are met to guarantee the safety, reliability and smooth operation of the ECRL,” Loke added.
According to earlier reports, the progress of the ECRL project, which spans Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor, was at 89 per cent in October.
