KUALA TERENGGANU: The people of Terengganu will get a chance to travel on the high speed train on the East Coast Railway Link (ECRL) tracks and they may even get tickets subsidised by the operators.
Council of Eminent Persons chairman Tun Daim Zainuddin said it was only logical for the high speed train to make several stops in Terengganu as it would be constructed on the tracks originally proposed in the earlier agreement with China.
“Fear not. The people of Terengganu will have the chance to ride the train. The railway will pass through several stations in the state. The tickets, without subsidies, will cost RM500 each (in order) to break even but the government is most likely to make it affordable.
“Otherwise, traveling by air will be cheaper. The ECRL is built for the rakyat and as such the tickets will be subsidised,” he said during the Bicara Darul Iman, the first series of discourse programmes for invited guests and senior government officers with the country’s influential figures.
One of the objectives of the programme was to build a first class mind set among leaders, senior civil servants, captains of industries in both the public and private sectors through exposure towards scenarios related to current issues.
Earlier, when addressing the audience, Daim said he was in Beijing to sign a new contract for the construction of the ECRL.
“I know many in the East Coast, including Terengganu, have been keen for this project to continue and the news that the ECRL will proceed was met with relief and joy in the East Coast.
“One of the most significant concessions that we won from the Chinese side is that local participation in the construction of the ECRL will be increased to 40 per cent of civil works from the previous 30 per cent of only civil works.
“Add to that, the side industries such as homestays, food, transport and retail will surely flourish with the resumption of work on the ECRL, and we have a situation where entrepreneurs and businesses, both big and small, will have a much bigger pie to sink their teeth into,” he said.
He added that the opportunities that arise would be a good test for Bumiputera entrepreneurs in Terengganu and the whole of the East Coast, to prove their capability of meeting demand and competition.
“Hence, I would like to call on all those present here now and the people of Terengganu to start thinking outside the box if they intend to be part of this economic future. They should have intellectual discourses with the local authorities and state government to compile a list of initiatives which will bring about positive change and prosperity to the state and its people.
“The state and its people should have long term plans to facilitate this new development with elements which can build up the ecosystem along the railway route. Start thinking of new products, new services that Terengganu can offer not only to the rest of Malaysia, but consequently to the rest of the world.
“Ensure that all this is done with honesty, integrity, diligence and trustworthiness. Think long-term instead of thinking about immediate profits. Do not sacrifice quality for profit, do not cut corners to make your work easier. Do not cheat, do not shortchange. Take pride in your product, take pride in your service.
“The future is in your own hands. Ask yourself what you have contributed to the Bumiputera economic agenda and what role you can play? Don’t keep asking the government what it is offering in the Bumiputera economy.”