Loke: ECRL on track for January 2027 launch

PUTRAJAYA (Jan 29): The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is maintaining its target to commence operations of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in January 2027.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook (pictured) said that while system testing and inspections have yet to begin, the ministry views operational readiness, not just track construction, as the most critical factor in rail projects before services can start.

“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 his 2026 New Year Address at the MOT assembly on Wednesday.

The minister said this was based on MOT’s extensive experience with rail systems, citing past operational challenges involving the KLIA Terminal 1 aerotrain service and the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3), where system and software issues disrupted operations, as lessons learned.

Loke said that system integration testing is the most demanding phase of rail projects, as it ensures all components function reliably and in sync before full operations begin.

“MOT will continue to monitor the project and ensure all technical requirements are met to guarantee the safety, reliability and smooth operation of the ECRL,” he said.

According to earlier reports, the ECRL project, which spans Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor, had achieved 89% overall completion as of October 2025.

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