PLANS to extend Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, near the Thai border, are still at a very early stage of discussion, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said during a press conference with Malaysian media at the close of his four-day visit to China.
"The teams involved will need to study the details, costs, and payment methods. Since this is a continuation of an existing project, the cost may be lower," he said.
Anwar added that the proposal had been raised with both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in separate bilateral meetings.
"The proposal is heading in that direction, with an extension of between 20 and 25 kilometres to Rantau Panjang, near the Thai border," he said.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, expressed hope that the proposal could be realised as part of the government’s broader development strategy for the east coast.
"The area from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, particularly Rantau Panjang, is relatively underdeveloped. We hope that by establishing this station, the development and business ecosystem can be enhanced," he said.
Last month, Transport Minister Anthony Loke told Parliament that further discussions with China and the main contractor, China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC), were necessary as the project is currently under construction and the Rantau Panjang alignment is part of the broader package.
Separately, Anwar confirmed that Chinese Premier Li Qiang would represent China at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur at the end of next month.
Earlier, Anwar reiterated the need for reform of the international system, particularly the United Nations, in response to ongoing global injustices such as the war crimes of the Zionist regime and imbalances in global trade.
Citing the United Nations as an example, he said the organisation should no longer be bound by its original charter or serve the interests of a few powerful countries.
"Even UN Secretary-General António Guterres has acknowledged the need for reform. We are talking about participatory democracy that should be fairer, more representative, and not tethered to its founding agreement.
"People are speaking about reform — that the United Nations needs to be more democratic and representative, that’s all. And because of its current limitations, its influence is diminishing. That was my only point — and it was heard directly by the Secretary-General," Anwar said.
The prime minister was speaking to Malaysian reporters at the end of his official trip to Tianjin and Beijing, which began on 31 August.
He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Anwar had attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin as a special guest of President Xi Jinping, who also chairs the SCO this year. This marks Malaysia’s first invitation to the summit.
The SCO, established by China in 2001, includes major nuclear powers such as Russia, India, and Pakistan, and focuses on regional security, economic cooperation, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
During his speech at the SCO, Anwar criticised the UN openly for its failure to carry out governance reforms, speaking directly in front of world leaders and Secretary-General António Guterres.
He said there is a trust deficit in the global system, particularly with the UN’s inability to address inequalities in trade, financial structures, and climate change responses.
Asked whether Malaysia would consider joining the SCO in the future, Mohamad Hasan said there was no immediate need, as ASEAN already served a similar purpose.
"For now, we don’t see the need to join SCO. It is primarily focused on Central Asia, whereas we already have ASEAN. ASEAN should be further empowered. We can maintain strong relations between ASEAN and SCO as blocs," said the foreign minister.
Meanwhile, Anwar held several informal meetings on the sidelines of the SCO Summit to discuss ending the conflicts in Myanmar and Gaza.
"Although Malaysia is not an SCO member, we attended the summit as a special guest of President Xi to share our views on current issues. I held brief discussions with several world leaders on ways to end the conflict and restore peace in Myanmar, after which the foreign minister continued the dialogue," he said.
He also met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, the latter of whom briefed him on the latest situation in Gaza.
"Many of the leaders present raised the issue of violence and suffering in Gaza faced by the Palestinians," Anwar said.
He also held bilateral talks with the prime ministers of Pakistan, Cambodia, and Nepal to discuss enhancing cooperation in trade and investment.
"In my deeper discussions with President Xi and Premier Li, we focused on infrastructure, investment, AI, education, and how to elevate bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the Malaysian people," he said.
Anwar also attended China’s Victory Day Parade at Tiananmen Square, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II.
"Beyond the celebrations, it is a reminder that countries must enjoy freedom and sovereignty, and their independence must be respected.
"This is important, especially given today’s uncertainties — the worst being Gaza, where Israel’s Zionist regime continues to act with impunity.
"This celebration, and how China overcame its oppressors, should be a lesson for our younger generation," Anwar added. - Sept 3, 2025
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