Kok: Make local materials a priority

PUTRAJAYA: The Primary Indus­tries Ministry says the resumption of the East Coast Rail Link project should prioritise local materials in its construction.

Its minister Teresa Kok said lots of material made from Malaysian rubber could be used in the construction of the rail track as well as for seismic bearing, while Malaysian timber was suitable as rail sleepers.

She said her ministry hoped that the latest development would see China making more commitment to purchase Malaysian commodities, mainly palm oil and rubber.

“China has always been an important trading partner of Malaysia. We hope our bilateral ties will be further strengthened with the inking of the deal.

“I congratulate the government for being able to reduce the construction cost, thus ensuring the project does not overburden our country’s financial position,” Kok said in a statement yesterday.