KUALA LUMPUR (July 9): Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), the project owner of the RM81 billion East Coast Rail Link, has dismissed today news reports that suggest construction work is continuing on the ECRL despite a suspension order having been issued.

In a statement, MRL said the news reports that appeared in a Chinese daily on July 7 and an English daily on July 8 were "inaccurate and misleading".

"MRL would like to emphasise that no other works to progress the project will take place during the suspension period, in line with the suspension order from the Minister of Finance," it said.

It went on to explain that the suspension order was issued to the ECRL's engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) contractor, China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), and the latter's subsidiary China Communications Construction Company (M) Sdn Bhd on July 3.

That was the same day MRL received an instruction from the minister to issue the suspension order on all construction works and services stipulated in the EPCC contract.

"As per the ECRL EPCC contract provision, a suspension order will entail instructions for CCCC to secure all existing ECRL construction sites to minimise any damage and/or deterioration to the site during the suspension period. Securing the site also means ensuring all safety and environmental requirements imposed by relevant authorities were observed and complied with at all times, including over the periods of works suspension.

"As of July 8, 2018, CCCC was still carrying out some site securement works to comply with MRL's instruction. CCCC or its sub-contractors' workers will be present on site to carry out these works until MRL is satisfied that all ECRL construction sites have been duly secured. In addition, security personnel will be present to guard the premises to prevent any security breach," MRL said.

It explained that once the site is properly secured, no other works shall proceed until further notice from MRL.

During the suspension, MRL said it and CCCC will conduct regular checks on the site to ensure the integrity of existing works and, if necessary, will carry out remedial works to repair any damage.

"MRL has fully complied to the Minister of Finance’s instruction to suspend all works and services regarding the ECRL Project until further notice. MRL has additionally taken all necessary steps to preserve the integrity and quality of all works done for the ECRL Project to date," it added. 

On July 8, The Star reported that young local employees for the ECRL were told their work has not been suspended as yet. "One young worker at the ECRL research department, who declined to be named, said he continued working as usual as there was no instruction for him to quit," the report wrote.

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