The East Coast Rail Link is 92.6% complete, with the Kota Bharu-Gombak section set to finish this year and full commercial operations starting in January 2027.

GOMBAK: The East Coast Rail Link project has achieved 92.62% overall construction progress as of February 2026.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan confirmed the project remains on schedule for its key deadlines.

The Kota Bharu to Gombak alignment is slated for completion by the end of this year.

Commercial operations for this section are scheduled to commence in January 2027.

The remaining alignment from Gombak to Port Klang in Selangor will be finished by December 2027.

This final section is expected to become fully operational in January 2028.

Amir Hamzah said the project marks a new chapter for green transportation in Malaysia.

The 665-kilometre electric rail network will serve both passenger and cargo services across the East Coast and Selangor.

He was speaking at a ceremony for the track completion and a financial agreement signing.

The minister highlighted the completion of the 519-km main track from Kota Bharu to Gombak ahead of schedule.

“This achievement clearly reflects the strong dedication and close cooperation between Malaysia Rail Link and China Communications Construction-ECRL,” he added.

He also officiated the signing of a joint lead coordinator agreement for foreign exchange risk management.

The agreement involves MRL and eight leading Malaysian banking institutions.

These include Malayan Banking Bhd, CIMB Bank Bhd, and RHB Bank Bhd.

Amir Hamzah said the banks’ involvement shows high confidence in the project’s financial structure.

It also demonstrates the capability of Malaysia’s banking system to support large-scale infrastructure.

“This initiative strengthens financial governance, transparency, and accountability in project implementation,” he stated.

The move aligns with the government’s commitment to integrity and fiscal discipline in national projects.

He added that it reflects the maturity of Malaysia’s financial system.

The system can now professionally support major infrastructure financing guided by market discipline.

 The Sun Malaysia