Perodua has signed an MoU with the aforementioned names today for this as well
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) has inked two significant memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) and Kuantan Port Consortium Sdn Bhd (Kuantan Port), marking potential collaborations for the East Coast Rail Link’s (ECRL) freight transportation services, set to commence by January 2027.
These MOUs signal a shift towards rail-based freight transport, facilitated by the 665km ECRL network, connecting the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia seamlessly. MRL’s collaboration with Perodua aims to explore transporting its products to the East Coast, catering to the automaker’s logistical needs.
Moreover, Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, CEO of MRL, highlighted the significance of these collaborations, emphasising the ECRL’s role not only in public transportation but also as a reliable logistics service for local and international businesses. Anyone who has ever had the misfortune of riding the KTM train will appreciate this.
Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak also stressed the ECRL’s importance in enhancing regional connectivity and economic development, particularly through its “landbridge” connecting Kuantan Port to Northport and Westports in Port Klang.
On top of that, Perodua’s President and CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, expressed interest in diversifying their transportation methods, viewing the ECRL as a viable option to meet their needs. This partnership aims to explore various opportunities for both parties and we are glad to see Perodua keep pushing for ways to serve the Malaysian people.
Mr. Lee Chun Fai, Chairman of Kuantan Port and Group CEO & Managing Director of IJM Corporation Berhad, emphasised Kuantan Port’s strategic collaboration with MRL and its goal to leverage the ECRL to enhance connectivity, efficiency, and competitiveness in logistics.
What’s more, this collaboration aims to establish Kuantan Port as a key gateway to the East, fostering smoother goods movement and supporting the economic development of the region. The MOU signing ceremony, witnessed by Minister of Transport, YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, signifies a pivotal step towards optimising logistics networks and enhancing trade links within the region.
MRL, as the project owner of the ECRL, expects the rail alignment from Kota Bharu to Gombak Integrated Terminal to be completed by December 2026, with operations beginning by January 2027. The alignment between Gombak and Port Klang is slated for completion by December 2027, with full operations commencing from January 2028 onwards.
