06-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
1,800 workers needed when ECRL begins operations in 2027, says Loke
Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the ECRL, which spans four states, has reached an overall construction progress of 82.45% as of April. (Bernama pic)
KUALA LUMPUR : About 1,800 workers will be needed when the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) begins operating in January 2027, transport minister Loke Siew Fook said today.
Loke, whose ministry oversees the RM50.3 billion project, said Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) had set a requirement that at least 80% of this workforce must be Malaysian.
'These workers will come from various skill levels, including both experienced and new workers, to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the ECRL,' he said at the launch of the job opportunities initiative for the ECRL operations & maintenance (O&M) phase.
He said the event marked another key milestone for the project as the O&M phase would see new local talent developed through the ECRL Industrial Skills Training Programme.
He said the programme aimed to provide training and employment opportunities for a total of 3,200 people over the years.
'For a start, 210 Malaysian trainees from diverse backgrounds will be sent to Liuzhou, China, this year for a one-year intensive training,' he added.
The first group of 102 trainees is scheduled to depart in stages beginning May 15.
These trainees, who will cover both technical and non-technical fields, will undergo comprehensive training that includes theoretical lessons and hands-on experience in railway system operations.
This is aimed at developing skilled workers for positions such as assistant station attendants, signalling technicians, assistant train drivers and overhead line technicians, among others.
'What's even more encouraging is that trainees in this programme are guaranteed employment with the ECRL upon completing their training,' Loke said.
He also revealed that the ECRL, which spans four states – Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor – had reached an overall construction progress of 82.45% as of April.
