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PETALING JAYA (July 4): China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) has “no choice” but to follow the suspension order issued by Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd over the controversial East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, it said in a statement today.

The company said it regrets that the suspension order comes at this juncture, where “substantial work has been progressing well”.

“The Malaysia [ECRL] is an important project of Malaysia which will benefit the people and economic development along the route.

“The contract has been signed by CCCC and MRL via legal processes. We hope MRL will honour and respect the contract signed.

“We respect and comply with Malaysian laws… While the duration of the suspension has not been specified, we are concerned about incurring additional cost, losses and damages,” it said.

CCCC added that it was “upset and concerned” over the livelihood of their 2,250 local employees and several hundred sub-contractors, suppliers and consultancy firms.

“We hope that both sides will be able to find a win-win solution through sincere negotiation with good will. We also hope that the suspension will be lifted as soon as possible for the benefit of all parties,” it added.

CCCC is involved in the rail project as its engineering procurement construction commissioning contractor.

The contentious ECRL was recently revealed by the Ministry of Finance to cost an astronomical RM81 billion, excluding operating costs, far exceeding the initial estimated cost of RM55 billion to RM75 billion.

At 688.3km, the line would pass through a part of Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.

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