MALAYSIA today inked the agreement with China to build the second phase of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, Prime Minister Najib Razak announced.

Malaysia Railway Link Sdn Bhd and China Communications Construction Company Limited China (CCCC) signed the memorandum of understanding for the construction of the 88km rail link from Gombak to Port Klang.

Najib shared the “good news” for Klang Valley and east coast folk on his blog najibrazak.com.

“This agreement follows the announcement of the construction of the project’s first phase from Wakaf Bharu to Gombak in November last year.

“It is with pleasure that I conclude that the government’s initiative to develop and improve connectivity between the Klang Valley and the east coast is now on the right track and going smoothly.

“The government will continue to monitor the project and double our efforts to make sure this project is realised,” he said.

Najib, who is in Beijing on a working visit, said the ECRL project reduces transport time and cost and will have a great impact on trade 

He said the project would also benefit those in the rural areas by making travel easier, opening up business opportunities, and creating an estimated 45,000 jobs.

“I have stressed that these jobs must be open to Malaysians and not foreigners.

“To improve the capabilities of Malaysian workers in the construction and management of the ECRL, an upskilling training programme will be introduced soon.”

Malaysia has been looking to China to partner in mega-projects in the country, which is seen as efforts to get the Chinese to finance such projects.

The inflow of “Chinese money” has raised concerns over the sustainability of some of the projects, as Beijing begina to tighten control over the outflow of funds.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is among the critics of Chinese investment, which he said placed the nation’s sovereignty in jeopardy. – May 13, 2017.