Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has reaffirmed the strategic importance of the China-backed East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), emphasizing its role as a catalyst for regional growth during an exclusive interview with CGTN. The $10 billion infrastructure project, connecting Malaysia's east and west coasts, remains on schedule despite global economic headwinds.
"This isn't just about laying tracks—it's about building lasting partnerships," Loke stated, highlighting plans for Malaysia and Chinese counterparts to jointly operate the railway. The project aims to unlock opportunities across a combined market of over two billion people in China and 680 million in ASEAN countries.
"When completed, the ECRL will transform how goods and people move between industrial hubs and ports. It's infrastructure diplomacy in action," Loke told CGTN's Tian Wei.
Analysts predict the 665-kilometer railway could reduce logistics costs by up to 40% for certain trade routes. The project forms part of China's broader Belt and Road Initiative, with Malaysia positioning itself as a key Southeast Asian nexus for transcontinental connectivity.
