KUALA LUMPUR: The first shipment of trains for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project to Malaysia, comprising two Electric Multiple Units (EMU) for passengers and two electric locomotives (E-Loco) for freight, is expected to arrive at Kuantan Port by the end of December.
In a joint statement, the project owner, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), and the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning contractor for the ECRL project, China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL), said the shipment was ready to depart from Dalian Port, China, with logistics expected to take approximately a month.
"The first set of EMU and E-Loco trains has been approved for shipment according to schedule after undergoing comprehensive testing and a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report, which was recently received and verified by MRL as the ECRL asset owner," the Nov 27 statement said.
Built by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) on the proven CR200J and HXD3C technology platforms, the EMUs and locomotives have been adapted to Malaysia's climate, terrain, and passenger requirements.
According to the statement, nine more EMUs are scheduled for delivery in 2026, while the remaining 10 E-Locos will be delivered in stages in the same year. The rail network is designed for a maximum speed of 160 km/h for passenger trains and 80 km/h for cargo trains.
Meanwhile, MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said in the same statement that the trains would undergo comprehensive testing, including an 8,000 km Fault Free Run (FFR), supervised by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), before entering commercial operations in January 2027.
"This will open a new chapter in promoting ECRL as a green mode of transport for passengers and cargo along the 655 km electric rail network," he said.
CCCECRL managing director Deng Bo said that as the ECRL project entered the testing and commissioning phase, the first shipment of trains would play a key role in ensuring safe and efficient operations.
"We are committed to providing a modern rail system that enhances connectivity and sets a new benchmark for Malaysia," he said.
Equipped with advanced on-train systems, the EMU features a train network control system with dual redundancy for real-time monitoring of traction, high voltage, and auxiliary systems.
The electric locomotives are fitted with intelligent human-machine interfaces and millisecond-level safety monitoring for braking systems, fire protection, and high-voltage insulation.
The EMU, meanwhile, has been designed with passenger comfort in mind, offering business and economy class cabins, wheelchair accessibility, and a prayer room with ablution facilities for Muslim passengers, along with hot water for beverages.
The Passenger Information System (PIS) provides real-time updates on schedules, routes, and any delays to ensure passengers are continuously informed throughout their journey.
"The blue-and-white exterior design is inspired by Malaysia's coastal landscapes and wildlife, giving the ECRL a unique identity, particularly for the East Coast community," the statement said.
The ECRL spans 665 km across four states - Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor - and is designed to improve passenger mobility and cargo connectivity between the East and West Coasts.
As of the end of October 2025, the project has reached 89% overall completion and is expected to commence operations in January 2027. – Bernama
