ECRL revival to spur economic recovery along East Coast

BENTONG: The revival of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Genting Tunnel project here is set to act as a catalyst in the post-Covid-19 economic recovery along the East Coast region in Peninsular Malaysia, said MCA spokesperson Wong Siew Mun.

She said when the ECRL Bentong station opens along Section C2 of the ECRL, it will reduce traffic congestion and travel time between the East and West coasts of the peninsula.

“Economic growth will be boosted while job prospects will be created, thereby helping to retain talent and avoiding the perennial problem of brain drain.

“This move is in line with MCA’s consistent position of supporting the ECRL Bentong station, which significantly changes the economic landscape of the East Coast without affecting the environment,” she said in a statement issued yesterday.

Wong added that as travel time between the East and West coasts will be shortened, it would lead to simpler logistics and human traffic, hence bringing about positive impacts on social and economic sectors.

She cited a survey among locals on the alignment of the ECRL over the Section C2 route from Gombak to Port Klang in which more than 98% of the respondents had expressed support for the project.

“The ECRL will generate unlimited financial opportunities, especially in reactivating real estate and business activities in the surrounding areas,” she added.

Wong also said the ECRL, particularly the northern alignment, was planned for the well-being of the people.

“It should not be politicised, used as a tool for politicking or for politicians to score political mileage,” she said.

The 665km-long ECRL will traverse Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, and link to Port Klang via the northern part of Selangor.