ALL engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning work on the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is to be suspended with immediate effect on grounds of national interest, The Edge reported today.

Project owner Malaysia Rail Link Sdn bhd (MRL) has instructed main contractor China Communications Construction Ltd (CCCC) to do so in a letter sighted by the paper.

CCCC has also been instructed to protect work that has been done and to not remove any items from work sites without MRL’s consent.

“During this period of suspension, you shall protect, store and secure the works against any deterioration, loss or damage.

“Additionally, you shall not remove any equipment, materials or any part of the works from the site, without our prior written consent.

“This suspension shall take effect immediately and will be in force until further instruction from us,” said the letter signed by MRL chief executive officer Darwis Abd Razak.

An MRL spokesman confirmed the suspension with The Edge.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng yesterday revealed that the final cost of the ECRL project is about RM81 billion, almost 80% more than its original price, and must be reduced significantly to make it financially viable.

Lim said the RM81 billion does not include the operating deficit as it could not be determined for the time being. – July 4, 2018.