BEIJING: Malaysia’s ambitious East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project could stretch all the way to the Thai border, though Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the proposal remains in the early discussion stage.
Speaking at a press conference before wrapping up his four-day official visit to China, Anwar confirmed that the potential extension, estimated at 20 to 25 kilometres from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang — was raised during separate bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
“The team will have to follow through with the details, costing, and payment mode. Because it is a continuation, the cost will probably be much less,” said Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister.
The ECRL, a multi-billion-ringgit project currently under construction with China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC) as the main contractor, is positioned as a game-changer for Malaysia’s logistics and connectivity. An extension to Rantau Panjang would bring the line to the Thai border, strengthening Malaysia’s trade links with Indochina and deepening integration into the Pan-Asia rail network.
Anwar framed the proposal as part of a broader development push.
“The area from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, especially Rantau Panjang, is a bit underdeveloped. We hope that with this and a station there, the development and business ecosystem can be improved,” he said.
The idea of extending the line north is not new. Last month, Transport Minister Anthony Loke told Parliament that discussions with Beijing were ongoing, as the alignment into Rantau Panjang falls under the wider ECRL package.
While costs and financing structures remain under review, the extension could elevate Rantau Panjang’s role as a cross-border logistics hub, boosting commerce and potentially positioning Kelantan as a gateway to ASEAN’s northern trade routes.
Separately, Anwar confirmed that Premier Li Qiang will represent China at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October, underscoring Beijing’s close engagement with Malaysia as it assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.
