Chinese Premier and Malaysian PM Inaugurate Groundbreaking for ECRL Gombak Terminal
Gombak, The Gulf Observer: Chinese Premier Li Qiang, alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Gombak integrated terminal station on Wednesday. This event marks a significant milestone in the high-profile Belt and Road Initiative project.
In his address, Premier Li expressed heartfelt appreciation to the diligent builders from both China and Malaysia. He emphasized that the ECRL is a flagship project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between the two nations. Premier Li voiced confidence that the combined efforts would ensure the ECRL’s construction is of the highest quality, efficiency, safety, and reliability, setting a benchmark for excellence and serving as a prime example of Belt and Road collaboration.
Premier Li highlighted the ECRL’s strategic importance, noting that it will not only function as a major transportation artery in Malaysia but also significantly contribute to development, job creation, and improved livelihoods. “China is ready to work with Malaysia to make the ECRL a path to prosperity and happiness that truly delivers for the people,” Li stated.
Additionally, Premier Li expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with Malaysia to explore linking the ECRL with the China-Laos and China-Thailand railways. This initiative aims to promote progress in constructing the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, enhancing regional connectivity, and deepening ASEAN community development.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underscored the ECRL project’s significance in connecting Malaysia’s east and west coasts, and its role in boosting economic and social development. He extended his gratitude to Chinese and Malaysian companies for their cooperation in advancing this crucial project. Anwar voiced confidence that, leveraging “China speed” and advanced technology, the ECRL would be completed promptly, providing substantial momentum to the development of Malaysia and the region.
In a symbolic gesture, the two leaders jointly pushed the lever to officially commence the construction of the Gombak station.
The Malaysia ECRL, stretching 665 kilometers, begins in Kota Bharu in the north, moves south to Kuantan, and then turns westward to Port Klang. This project is the largest standalone transportation infrastructure endeavor undertaken by Chinese enterprises overseas, reflecting the robust partnership and shared aspirations of China and Malaysia.
