TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke has challenged Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and the main contractor, China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC), to bring forward the launch of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and begin passenger services as early as December.
The proposed early launch would bring forward passenger operations by about a month from the scheduled January 2027 opening, with Loke saying the Transport Ministry was prepared to facilitate approval and testing procedures to make it possible without compromising safety.
“Coinciding with the launch of the Comprehensive Inspection Train (CIT), System Integration Testing (SIT) and Fault-Free Run (FFR) today, the Transport Ministry is in discussions on how we can further facilitate some of the approval and testing processes.
“In particular, the FFR testing process has been rather detailed. We will try to streamline it because we are confident that all these trains have already undergone extensive and comprehensive testing in China before being sent to Malaysia,” he said at a press conference held in conjunction with the launch of the CIT and the commencement of SIT and FFR at the ECRL Gombak Station today.
Loke said the ministry would work closely with MRL to facilitate the commissioning process and final approval by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).
He said December would be an ideal time to launch the service as it coincides with the year-end school holidays, giving students and residents along the East Coast an opportunity to use the new rail link earlier.
“So, if this process can be facilitated, I would like to issue a challenge to MRL and CCCC.mWe want to set a challenge for the ECRL service to open earlier than scheduled. I hope we can provide the necessary support and facilitation to ensure all the processes can be streamlined and simplified without compromising safety,” he said.
The ECRL, which will connect Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor, was 95.08 per cent complete as at July, Loke said.
The Kota Bharu-Gombak section will undergo System Integration Testing (SIT) and a Fault-Free Run (FFR) this month as preparations continue for passenger services.
He said SIT would focus on the integration and coordination of the railway's key systems, including signalling, communications, traction power supply and the overhead contact line.
The FFR, meanwhile, is designed to assess the operational performance and overall reliability of the integrated railway system through an 8,000km test run.
“The FFR is aimed at evaluating the operational performance and overall reliability of the integrated railway system through a test journey covering 8,000 kilometres (km).
“The test includes assessing the interaction between the trains and key railway systems such as signalling, communications and power supply.
“This is important to ensure that the entire system can operate safely, reliably and efficiently before passenger services begin in January 2027,” he said.
A Comprehensive Inspection Train (CIT) has also been introduced to support the SIT and FFR programmes, allowing detailed inspections of the railway's infrastructure and systems.
Loke said the specialised train could record track geometry parameters, inspect railway signalling systems and examine the Overhead Catenary System (OCS) along the 665km ECRL alignment.
“The CIT's specialised inspection capabilities allow detailed assessments and verification to be carried out on the ECRL's infrastructure and railway systems throughout the testing programme.
“The CIT can operate at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour and is equipped with various facilities, including a control room, conference room, prayer room, dining area, business-class cabins, multimedia room and toilets.
“This testing phase is among the final steps to ensure the readiness of the ECRL's systems, infrastructure and operations before the rail network begins carrying passengers next year,” he said.
Also present at the event were Chief Secretary to the Government and MRL chairman Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak. - August 14, 2026
