BEIJING, Sept 3 — The proposal to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, near the Thai border, is being discussed, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
“The team will have to follow through with details, costing, and payment mode. Because it is an extension, the cost will probably be much less,” he told Malaysian media before concluding his four-day visit to China.
Anwar said this was also discussed with China President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in separate bilateral meetings here yesterday.
“The proposal is towards that direction, between 20km and 25km to Rantau Panjang near the Thai border,” he said.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, expressed hope that the proposal can be realised in the government’s efforts to develop the area.
“The area from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, especially Rantau Panjang, is a bit underdeveloped. We hope that with (an ECRL) station there, the development and business ecosystem can be improved,” he said.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke told the Dewan Rakyat last month that talks with China and ECRL main contractor China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC) are needed as the project is under construction, and the alignment to Rantau Panjang is part of the overall package.
In another development, Anwar confirmed Li will represent China at the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October.
Meanwhile, the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zaful Abdul Aziz said business meetings in Beijing led to RM905 million of secured potential investments, especially in the chemical and telecommunications sectors.
Malaysia has secured RM108 million in potential exports via China’s one-stop e-commerce platform JD.com.
“We also met with the China Semiconductor Industrial Association’s (CSIA) representatives and had discussions with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade). This has resulted in an export potential of RM2.2 billion over the next one to two years. Semiconductor trade between Malaysia and China is on the rise,” he said.
Besides the CSIA, Anwar also held high-level business engagements with top Chinese companies during his working visit, which began in Tianjin on August 31.
This included Rianlon Corporation, a leading Chinese conglomerate in anti-ageing additives for polymers and cosmetics, which resulted in the company pledging a commitment to invest RM820 million to develop a research and development centre in Johor.
Anwar also held talks with CCCC, the largest global infrastructure services provider, and discussed the development of the ECRL.
His meeting with JD.com in Beijing attracted the leading Chinese e-commerce and logistics retailer’s interest to expand in the logistics sector in Malaysia He said JD.com also intends to buy more Malaysian products to market in China.
During a business dialogue with 120 Chinese leaders from various sectors, he promoted Malaysia as a regional hub for Chinese business.
Anwar also highlighted the country’s clear economic policies, strategic infrastructure and stable environment as among key advantages for investors.
