logo
ECRL on track: 90pct completion expected by year-end

ECRL on track: 90pct completion expected by year-end

KUANTAN: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, which stretches across Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, is expected to achieve 90 per cent overall completion by year-end.
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said the 665km mega rail infrastructure project had recorded an overall progress of 82.45 per cent as of April.
"Progress currently stands at 89 per cent in Kelantan, 91 per cent in Terengganu, 84 per cent in Pahang, and 67 per cent in Selangor. These figures reflect that the project is on course for full completion by December next year.
"Given the current scope of work, along with strong commitment and support from the participating states, we are confident of reaching the 90 per cent milestone by year-end.
"The key takeaway is that all components of the project are advancing steadily and in parallel. We aim to commence the testing and commissioning phase on June 1 next year," he told reporters at the ECRL KotaSAS Station here today.
Darwis was speaking during the first-article assessment ceremony, which marked the successful installation of the communication, information and signalling (CIS) systems at the KotaSAS station.
The KotaSAS station is the first among the 20 ECRL stations along the alignment to complete the CIS systems installation.
Describing the milestone as a major achievement for the ECRL's engineering development, Darwis said the project's systems work fell under Section 14, which covers critical rail technologies.
"A first-article assessment, also known as a first-article inspection, represents a pivotal stage in the lifecycle of a major railway infrastructure project.
"Today's milestone marks the culmination of years of collaboration between MRL and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), encompassing detailed engineering design, construction supervision, and project management," he added.
The CIS systems, developed to meet international safety and performance standards, are a core component of the ECRL's engineering backbone. They are essential to ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable railway operations, covering automatic train protection, traffic control, and real-time passenger information.
Meanwhile, Darwis said two sets of six-car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains for passenger service, along with two Electric Locomotive (E-Loco) units for freight, were expected to arrive in Malaysia by the end of this year.
In February, he said that all 11 six-car EMU train sets and 12 E-Loco units would be fully delivered by June 2026.
The ECRL, which links Kota Baru to the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal, is slated to commence operations in January 2027. The extension from Gombak to Port Klang is scheduled to begin service by January 2028.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

PAC urges Works Ministry to ensure MLFF does not incur financial implications for govt, consumers
PAC urges Works Ministry to ensure MLFF does not incur financial implications for govt, consumers

The Star

time3 hours ago

  • The Star

PAC urges Works Ministry to ensure MLFF does not incur financial implications for govt, consumers

KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has urged the Works Ministry to ensure that the implementation of the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) system does not result in any financial implications for the government or consumers once the project's final direction is determined. PAC chairperson Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said that this precaution is essential to avoid repeating issues highlighted in previous PAC proceedings, where projects initially claimed to have no financial impact ultimately led to government payments to companies. She emphasised that any decisions regarding the implementation of the MLFF system, or any future traffic management system, must yield benefits and enhance efficiency in tackling traffic congestion. "The PAC requests that the Works Ministry provide a written update on the latest developments and direction regarding the implementation of the MLFF system for the committee's reference and attention. "In addition, the PAC urges that the effectiveness and efficiency of the existing toll collection system be improved as an immediate measure to reduce highway congestion before the MLFF is implemented," she said in a statement on Thursday (July 31). According to Mas Ermieyati, this issue was among the recommendations outlined in the PAC Statement on the Follow-up Action by the Works Ministry and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) for the Parliamentary PAC Recommendations on the Management of the MLFF Project Implementation, presented on Wednesday (July 30). Additionally, the PAC also presented its statement on follow-up actions by the Finance Ministry and the Malaysian Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) regarding PAC's recommendations on the Management of the LHDN Accounts Receivable. Regarding the LHDN issue, Mas Ermieyati stated that the PAC recommended the board intensify enforcement actions under existing laws, alongside making improvements from time to time. On this matter, she emphasised the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the tax assessment process, along with proactive enforcement to curb leakage and fraud in tax payments. Commenting on the e-invoice initiative, she said the PAC welcomed the government's move announced on June 5, 2025, and acknowledged the need to consider the preparedness of taxpayers, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, in meeting the legal requirements. "PAC recommends that the LHDN provide comprehensive support and guidance to all taxpayers throughout the preparation period for the implementation of the e-Invoice," she said. – Bernama

13MP outlines four strategies to boost public transport efficiency in Malaysia
13MP outlines four strategies to boost public transport efficiency in Malaysia

The Sun

time3 hours ago

  • The Sun

13MP outlines four strategies to boost public transport efficiency in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has unveiled four core strategies under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to enhance public transport efficiency and infrastructure. These measures aim to increase ridership, reduce operational costs, and improve connectivity nationwide. The strategies focus on financial mechanisms for operators, transit-oriented development (TOD), infrastructure investment, and restructuring rail administration. A key target is raising the public transport modal share to 40% by 2030, up from the current 25.9%. 'Special tariffs for the public transport sector will help lower operational costs, particularly for rail services,' stated the 13MP document released by the Economic Affairs Ministry. The plan also prioritizes TOD projects in high-potential areas like Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan. Major infrastructure projects include the Penang LRT Mutiara Line, East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), and the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link). The 37km LRT 3 project is set for completion during the 13MP period, further expanding transport coverage. Efforts will also improve first-mile, last-mile connectivity with more frequent bus services and pedestrian-friendly facilities. Rail capacity will be optimized through additional leased passenger trains, while feasibility studies for the Transborneo Railways in Sabah and Sarawak are underway. Rail governance reforms include separating asset ownership and operations between Rail Assets Corporation (RAC) and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). The government will explore track-sharing mechanisms to boost passenger and freight services. The document highlighted progress under the 12MP, including an 18.6% annual growth in Klang Valley public transport ridership (2021-2024) and the sale of 2.7 million MY50 travel passes. Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) expanded to 33 zones with 300 vans, while bus frequency rose by 35%. - Bernama

e-Invoice: A smart move for Malaysian SMEs in the digital era
e-Invoice: A smart move for Malaysian SMEs in the digital era

Borneo Post

time4 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

e-Invoice: A smart move for Malaysian SMEs in the digital era

This online platform via MyTax makes invoicing easy and accessible for all businesses. KUALA LUMPUR (July 31): Running a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Malaysia today means navigating a business environment that is increasingly complex, competitive and demanding. Businesses are expected to provide quick and accurate service while regulatory requirements continue to evolve. For many business owners, staying resilient means adopting digital tools that simplify operations, strengthen financial governance and maintain compliance without draining limited resources. One of the most significant enablers in this digital for Malaysian SMEs is the e-Invoice system introduced by Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (HASiL). More than a compliance requirement, e-Invoice offers SMEs a pathway to improve efficiency, enhance financial accuracy and reinforce professional credibility, helping businesses build a stronger foundation for sustainable growth. e-Invoice is a free solution that allows businesses to generate, receive and manage invoices electronically. Unlike traditional manual invoicing, which often involves printing, physical filing and a higher risk of errors, e-Invoices are issued and stored digitally in near real time. Each invoice is submitted directly to HASiL through a secure and integrated system, ensuring seamless alignment between business transactions and tax reporting requirements while reducing paperwork and enhancing transparency. For SMEs that often face operational challenges due to limited manpower and tight budgets, the adoption of e-Invoice can significantly ease administrative burdens. By streamlining invoicing processes, businesses are able to shorten processing time with e-Invoice by eliminating the need for paper invoices to be processed manually. This automation reduces manual efforts and minimises errors. With e-Invoice, businesses are able to streamline their invoicing workflows and ensure greater accuracy and transparency in all transactions. This is significant as this led to business' efficiency, without creating unnecessary barriers or challenges. It also simplifies and improves the accuracy of tax reporting, reducing the risk of discrepancies and allowing SMEs to prepare and submit tax returns with confidence. System-generated e-Invoices project a higher level of professionalism, which helps strengthen a business's reputation among customers, suppliers and financial institutions. Recognising the challenges faced by SMEs and micro-businesses in adopting new digital systems, HASiL offers two free, user-friendly solutions to support businesses in implementing e-Invoice. MyInvois Portal is a free e-Invoicing solution tailored for individuals and businesses that do not utilise a business ERP system for generating e-Invoices. This portal is especially advantageous for small enterprises and those with a low volume of transactions. It is designed to be user-friendly and is accessible through various devices, including computers, laptops, and smartphones, allowing users to handle their e-Invoicing needs with ease, from any location, at any time. e-Invoice implementation for SMEs will be phased according to the annual revenue, ensuring businesses have sufficient time to adapt and comply. MyInvois e-POS is specifically provided by HASiL and is available free of charge to small businesses to enhance business operational efficiency and meet the requirements for e-Invoice implementation. In addition to features for sales management, accounting, inventory management and financial reporting, the MyInvois e-POS System also allows sellers to generate e-Invoices directly during transactions with buyers or buyers may request e-Invoice from the seller after the transaction is completed These platforms reflect HASiL's commitment to supporting Malaysian SMEs in their journey towards digitalisation, ensuring that going digital does not require expensive systems or complex integration, allowing businesses of all sizes to benefit from modern invoicing tools without significant financial strain. To ensure a smooth transition to e-Invoicing, businesses should take several preparatory steps. First, it is essential to understand the e-Invoice guidelines issued by HASiL to avoid any compliance issues. Next, ensure that existing systems are capable of supporting e-Invoice implementation. For businesses that do not use an ERP system, platforms such as the MyInvois Portal or MyInvois e-POS can serve as practical alternatives. Businesses are also encouraged to train and equip their staff with the necessary skills to manage e-Invoicing efficiently. Lastly, stay alert to any updates to the MyInvois system and e-Invoice guidelines to ensure ongoing compliance with current requirements. By embracing e-Invoice, businesses can position themselves for greater efficiency and accuracy while unlocking new opportunities for growth through clearer reporting and better data. SMEs are encouraged to take full advantage of the free tools provided by HASiL to start their digital transformation journey with e-Invoice. For detailed information and step-by-step guidance, you can visit to begin their e-Invoice adoption with confidence.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store