KUALA LUMPUR: The Pahang, Kelantan and Negri Sembilan governments have hailed the resumption of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) as a positive move that would accelerate economic growth in their respective states.
They believed apart from boosting the efficiency of freight transportation, the tourism sector would also be a major beneficiary of the project.
State Tourism Ministry Pahang Office general manager Datuk Idros Yahya said the ECRL would be an important economic catalyst for business sectors to expand their activities.
"It will be convenient for tourists to come to Pahang. The ECRL will intensify the efficiency of freight transportation in national economic activities.
"The rail link will accelerate the momentum of manufacturing industries to cater to more business demands in the potential markets especially the hospitality industry in this district," he said.
State Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Sallehuddin Ishak said the ECRL will have a significant impact on the people in the state.
The ECRL’s 688km line will connect Port Klang, Selangor with Pengkalan Kubor, Kelantan with a stopover in Mantakab, Pahang.
Meanwhile, a spokesman from the Pahang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the move would boost business operations as well as generate new opportunities in the east coast.
"Construction had started but stalled. Now it is good news for everyone,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah believed the ECRL project would have a positive impact on development in the state.
“We welcome any project which benefits the state and provides employment as well as income for the people.
“We have supported the ECRL project from the beginning despite the negative views because we feel the benefits outweigh its negativity.
“If the government has agreed on its resumption, then I think it is a good move,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Negri Sembilan government welcomed the news that Kuala Klawang, Jelebu would be a feature of the ECRL.
State Investment, Industrialisation, Entrepreneurship, Education and Human Capital Committee chairman, Dr Mohamad Rafie Ab Malek, said the state government will give its full support to the project.
"The ECRL route from Port Klang to Pengkalan Kubor will connect the Straits of Malacca to the South China Sea efficiently.
"It will assist in the planning of economic development in the state which is currently being designed," he told the New Straits Times.
He said the reduction of RM21.5 billion from the original cost of RM65.5 billion showed that the government is committed to boost the economy by providing facilities to the public.
"The lower costs will also reduce the burden of the country," he said.
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd and China Communications Construction Company Ltd had on Friday signed a supplementary agreement that will pave the way for the resumption of the ECRL project.
The signing was achieved after months of negotiations between the companies involved as well as the governments of Malaysia and China.