ECRL project to proceed with cost reduced by RM11.01b, says PM Anwar

• Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the Government had decided to proceed with the project that was approved previously, and did not make much change, as that would delay the implementation process, and cause difficulties in the works and existing negotiations.

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 21): The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will proceed with a reduction of RM11.01 billion from the original cost of RM85.97 billion approved in 2016, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pictured). 

He said the total cost of the ECRL is reduced, even though there are applications for additional costs following the new realignment, and the project is still subjected to the old agreement.

"Even though there is additional [cost] to finance the project's realignment, which we have approved, this has enabled the total cost to be reduced by RM11.01 billion,” he said at a press conference after chairing the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (Dec 21).

Anwar stressed that the Government had decided to proceed with the project that was approved previously, and did not make much change, as that would delay the implementation process, and cause difficulties in the works and existing negotiations.

“I congratulate the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Finance, as well as the Ministry of Works, for helping to assist in expediting the negotiation process, and being able to reduce the total cost compared to that approved in 2016,” he said.

The ECRL project, spanning 665km and comprising 59 tunnels, includes construction works in four states, namely Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, and is designed to be free from floods.