ECRL extension to Rantau Panjang poised to boost manufacturing, border trade
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the state government has charted strategic development plans along the ECRL corridor to capitalise on its logistics and connectivity advantages.
He said key among them is a Cargo Oriented Development (COD) at Pasir Puteh Station, aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign investors. The project is expected to spur high-value downstream activities, including logistics services, packaging, and raw material supply chains.
Complementing this is a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) at Tunjong Station in Kota Bharu, envisioned as a new economic hub that integrates transport, commercial, and residential components — creating jobs and improving quality of life.
Mohamed Fadzli said the extension is timely, as it aligns with Malaysia's bilateral initiative with Thailand to revive the existing KTMB line between Pasir Mas and Sungai Golok, reconnecting the countries' rail networks and boosting regional trade.
The Kelantan government is advocating for the extension to reach Rantau Panjang, diverging from the original planned alignment to Tumpat. However, the proposal remains under review by Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and the Ministry of Transport, he said during the State Legislative Assembly sitting at the Kota Darulnaim Complex today, in response to a question from Mohd Adanan Hassan (PAS–Kelaboran), Bernama reported.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke had earlier confirmed that the ministry is evaluating the feasibility of the extension, noting its potential to strengthen logistical links between Malaysia and Thailand.
The 665km ECRL project crosses the East Coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang before connecting to Selangor on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
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