Latest news with #EastCoastRailLinkIndustrialSkillsTrainingProgramme
The Star
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Focus on internal strength
PM: We cannot rely on external support if we want to move forward KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's progress must be anchored on its own internal strength and the development of its domestic economic resilience, instead of relying on external factors amid global uncertainties, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said he had told Parliament during Monday's special sitting to discuss the 24% US tariff on Malaysian products that the country should take a firm stance but reject any form of unilateral action. 'If Malaysia wants to move forward and stand confidently, we must not only rely on external support. 'We must build internal strength, which is what we call domestic economic resilience. That is what we must work on,' he said. The Prime Minister was speaking at the launch of employment opportunities and presentation of East Coast Rail Link Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL) offer letters for ECRL operation and maintenance phase yesterday. Anwar said that Malaysia must always seek new methods in dealing with any challenges. 'This responsibility lies with our youth. They must master knowledge better than the current generation. 'God willing, with this kind of approach, we will be more secure in the future. The country must remain peaceful, stable and governed by clear policies,' he said. Citing a few examples, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that he had held meetings with leaders and corporations from various countries, including the United States, Japan and Bahrain. It's official: Anwar at the launch of the ECRL event in Kuala Lumpur. He was accompanied by Transport Minister Anthony Loke. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star For instance, he said a discussion was held yesterday morning with Advanced Micro Devices, one of the leading semiconductor companies from the United States, which had been operating here for quite some time. 'In the semiconductor sector, we are not left behind. However, the technology we are currently working with is still primarily focused on the backend. 'It's limited to manufacturing and processing capabilities. It doesn't yet include what's known as advanced packaging or advanced design. 'Now, amid all these ongoing discussions and challenges, the company stated their intention to make Malaysia their base for advanced packaging and advanced designs, specifically in Penang and Cyberjaya. 'And of course, I welcomed them,' he said, adding that the government will provide all the necessary facilities and government support. Anwar also noted he had earlier met with Japan's former prime minister Fumio Kishida, who was sent on behalf of Japan's Prime Minister, to discuss new projects with Asean and Malaysia, particularly on new renewable energy. 'At a time when we're grappling with what steps to take next, companies from various countries are coming forward. 'Japan has also committed, on behalf of its Prime Minister, to directly participate in development projects,' said Anwar. He added that he had met with two ministers from Bahrain to discuss plans on how they could enter the Malaysian market, invest and enhance their economic and trade capabilities. At the end of the month, Anwar said that the country will host the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit involving all the Asean countries and six Gulf nations.
The Sun
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ECRL project hits 82.45% completion, ahead of schedule
KUALA LUMPUR: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, which spans Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor, has reached an overall progress rate of 82.45 per cent as of April, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said. He said a key milestone was achieved with the completion of 400 kilometres of track installation along the main alignment from Maran, Pahang to Kota Bharu in Kelantan, two and a half months ahead of schedule. 'We extend our congratulations to ECRL and CCCC (China Communications Construction Company Ltd). When the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) asked me whether the project is on time, I told him, 'Not just on time, it's ahead of schedule',' Loke said. He was speaking at the launch of ECRL Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Job Opportunities and PLKI-ECRL Offer Letter ceremony, which was also attended by the Prime Minister. Loke said the next phase of track installation, a 100-kilometre stretch from Maran to Bentong, is set to begin this month and is expected to be completed by the end of June. He also said that electrification works commenced in May 2024, and will be followed by the installation of signaling, telecommunications and information systems in preparation for the ECRL's operational phase. Meanwhile, Loke said as part of human capital development, CCCC has pledged RM12 million to support the East Coast Rail Link Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL) for the O&M phase, aiming to train 3,200 individuals. 'This year alone, 210 Malaysian trainees from diverse backgrounds will undergo an intensive one-year training in Liuzhou, China,' he said. The first batch of 102 trainees is scheduled to leave in stages from May 15. The training covers both technical and non-technical disciplines, with modules including theory, practical work and hands-on experience in real railway operations. Upon completion, trainees are guaranteed employment with ECRL in roles such as Assistant Station Attendants, Signaling Technicians, Assistant Train Drivers, Overhead Line Technicians and Electric Locomotive & Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Maintenance Technicians. 'Even more encouraging, the trainees in this programme are guaranteed employment with ECRL upon completing their training,' he said. Loke also announced that the ECRL operating company, involving Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) as the project owner and CCCC, has been officially established and registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia as ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd.
