11 Nov 2023, Gebeng, Kuantan

The first track installation for East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project was officiated by Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and accompanied by Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah with the present of Transport Minister Anthony Loke, China’s ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujin, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) chairman Wang Tongzhou and the Menteris Besar from the East Coast states, which are the alignment of the ECRL.

The installation of this track is a significant milestone for the ECRL project, marking the beginning of a new era in the construction process of this mega train infrastructure in Malaysia. Wang Tongzhou, stated that this momentous occasion signifies their commitment to progress, innovation, and the integration of meaningful mobility connectivity. The aim is to create a rail transport system that embodies Malaysia’s aspirations for a connected future.

Track installations will span a distance of 94km, starting from the Kuantan Port City (KPC) station in Gebeng to Dungun, Terengganu by using advanced technology and equipment, CCPG500A track laying machine, together with the 500m-long Long Welded Rail (LWR) and pre-stressed mono-block sleepers to ensure a solid foundation, in addition to reducing vibration when the train is moving for the comfort of passengers. Expected to take about three to four months to complete the track installation.

17 November 2023, Bentong

Another successful MESRA program was held in Bentong this morning, with the presence of esteemed guests including YB Puan Young Syefura Othman, Ahli Parlimen Bentong, Dato’ Mohammad Shahid bin Ismail, Pegawai Daerah Bentong, Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd, and Madam Grace Cheng, CCC-ECRL Corporate Director. MESRA ECRL Program strives to establish stronger connections with the communities residing near the ECRL stations while raising awareness about this monumental project. The program aims to foster a sense of togetherness and ensure that the community is well-informed about the significance and impact of the project.

In addition to the MESRA activities, we also had the privilege of witnessing a heartwarming CSR initiative. Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd generously sponsored laptops for deserving students in Bentong, contributing to their educational journey and empowering their future. This act of kindness demonstrates the dedication and commitment to supporting the community and investing in the education of our youth.

  

 

24 October 2023, Ulu Langat 

A team of 200 volunteers from the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Project together with local community leaders participated in a ‘gotong-royong’ at the Hutlista 2 recreational park in conjunction with the National Environment Day celebration.

A total of 25 trash bags were collected during the ‘gotong-royong’ . The event was not just about community service, it also marked the launch of the ‘#OurRiver, Together We Preserve’ program which is dedicated to preserving rivers and their ecosystems, ensuring they remain free from pollution.

In collaboration with the Department of Environment (DOE) Selangor, this program aims to engage in activities that will safeguard our precious rivers. It is a noble effort to raise public awareness about the critical role that rivers play in the lives of humans and other organisms. Rivers are the lifeblood of our communities, and protecting them is of utmost importance.

So, as we celebrate National Environment Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the remarkable efforts of these volunteers and the commitment of the ECRL Project. Through their unwavering dedication, protecting our environment is a collective responsibility, safeguarding the rivers from the insidious threat of pollution.

 

 

 

26 September 2023, Bentong 

A group of journalists were granted an exclusive look inside the 16.39-kilometer Genting Tunnel. This monumental occasion not only unveiled the remarkable engineering but also fostered a unique sense of unity among the media professionals who braved the underground adventure together.

The twin-bore tunnels fall under the alignment of China Communications Construction Company (CCC) ECRL Project Section 7 which links between Bentong, Pahang with Gombak, Selangor. The works on the tunnel began last June at the portal nestled in the hillsides near Bukit Tinggi, where it has now achieved a distance of 3.6 kilometers out with a maximum buried depth of 750 meters of its total length of 16.39 kilometers.

The Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are tailor-made to tackle the challenges of hard rock conditions. With a remarkable drill face spanning almost 9 meters, these colossal machines weigh in at a staggering 1,600 tonnes and stretch to an impressive 266 meters in length. In addition, they are equipped with a sophisticated back-support system, housing control rooms and substations, ranking among the largest TBMs ever deployed for rail tunnel excavation in Malaysia.

12 September 2023, Lanchang 

In a heartwarming display of Corporate Social Responsibility, China Communications Construction (CCC-ECRL), recently embarked on a mission to protect and enrich the habitat of the critically endangered Malayan Tiger.

With a team of 100 dedicated individuals, the ECRL Project initiated a tree planting campaign at the Malayan Tiger Conservation Center (MTCC) a project that signifies their commitment to the conservation of Malaysia’s iconic wildlife.The tree planting endeavor witnessed the successful planting of approximately 100 different types of trees at MTCC. This initiative was conducted in partnership with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) under the banner of the ‘Malayan Tiger Habitat Enrichment Cooperation Programme.’

This program is divided into three phases: the first phase focuses on soil treatment, liming, and fertilization, while the second phase involves planting saplings, shade trees, and fruit trees. The third phase emphasizes the ongoing maintenance, pruning, and fertilization of trees within the MTCC enclosures.

The ultimate goal of this program is to contribute to the long-term conservation efforts of PERHILITAN and MTCC in safeguarding the Malayan Tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni) population and supporting breeding initiatives for this endangered species.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safety, setting an example for projects far and wide.

With a strong adherence to guidelines set forth by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), ECRL has established a harmonized Chinese-Malaysian Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) management system. This system places a spotlight on the “last mile” of work safety, driving crucial HSE tasks, promoting accountability, and advancing safety enhancement activities.

Section 3 truly excelled from 2020 to 2022, achieving an astounding record of “zero accidents, zero injuries, and zero pollution.” Their remarkable dedication garnered praise from local authorities, along with prestigious awards for safety management and hours met.

Section 6 Work zone 1, a beacon of safety in tunnel construction, set a commendable example. With stringent safety measures in place, they completed their work with zero major incidents.

In 2023, Section 4 further emphasized safety, shining in evaluations and pioneering safety initiatives that fostered a stable work environment.

Let’s all extend our heartfelt congratulations to the rewarded teams! We hope they continue to cherish this honor, strive for continuous improvement, and set a shining example for others. The message is clear: “Prioritizing Life and Safety First” is not just a mantra, but a way of working that ensures the success and smooth progress of the East Coast Rail Link project.

Each team’s unwavering dedication, commitment to continuous improvement, and exemplary leadership truly embody the spirit of excellence. Together, we’re not just building a rail link, but fostering a culture of safety that will echo through time.  Let’s celebrate this milestone, and here’s to a safer and brighter future #ECRLSafetyExcellence #BuildingABetterTomorrow

 

 

 

 

25 August 2023, Gedung Siam Tunnel. 

In a significant development for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Project, the 1.32-km ‘Kampung Gedung Siam 3 Tunnel’ has achieved its tunnelling breakthrough on schedule. This marks the completion of tunnel excavations for both Sections A and B of the project.

The breakthrough at the ‘Kampung Gedung Siam 3 Tunnel’ was a result of determined efforts, involving around 27,980 man-hours and utilizing the drill-and-blast method of tunneling. The tunnel, which spans 1.32 kilometers, is designed with an average height of 13.47 meters and a width of 13.02 meters, accommodating two standard gauge railway tracks. Impressively, the tunnel’s permanent lining stretches over 1,113 meters.

The excavation process for the ‘Kampung Gedung Siam 3 Tunnel’ began in January 2020, and the breakthrough occurred as planned in August 2023. This tunnel’s construction is crucial in maintaining the ECRL railway track’s maximum gradient of 0.74 percent and in minimizing the need for extensive forest cutting.

Chairman of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, congratulated the ECRL workforce for their commitment and teamwork that led to this accomplishment. With the successful completion of this tunnel, civil works are anticipated to conclude by April 2024.

The ECRL Project’s achievements include the installation of long-span bridges at key points and the completion of tunnel excavation works in Sections A and B. The installation of ECRL tracks is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023, initiating the rail alignment from Gebeng to Dungun.

Currently, the ECRL Project has an overall completion rate of 48.77 percent. This progress is driving towards the envisioned rail infrastructure completion from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal by December 2026. The final completion, which includes extending the rail to Port Klang, is projected for December 2027.

China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL) Managing Director, Kong Qi, praised the achievement as a testament to the dedication and expertise of their team. This breakthrough underscores their commitment to creating connections and advancing progress in the region.

 

 

  

6 July 2023, Bentong. YB Datuk Haji Hasbi Bin Habibollah, Deputy Minister of Transportation, attended a briefing session on the development of the ECRL project and was welcomed by Mr. Deng Bo, Deputy Project Director cum Chief Engineer of CCC- ECRL and Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, Chief Executive Officer of MRL.

The Deputy Minister and MOT delegation were taken to visit the project site, the ECRL Genting Tunnel Section 7, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. The Genting Tunnel is the first ECRL tunnel to be excavated using the advanced Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) method. The construction of the 665 km-long ECRL project, spanning four states, namely Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, is progressing rapidly and has achieved a progress rate of 46.68 percent. The recorded progress level is in line with the schedule for completing the ECRL project alignment from Kota Bharu, Kelantan to Gomba, Selangor by December 2026.

YB Datuk Haji Hasbi expresses his utmost to CCC-ECRL, MRL and all parties involved in developing the ECRL project, which will bridge the economic and developmental gap between the Klang Valley and East Coast Region in the future.

 

 

18 June 2023- In line with its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the principles of environmental, social, and governance (ESG), CCC-ECRL Section 5 and Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) organised a Gotong-Royong at Menderu Waterfall Jungle Ecological Park in Kampong Chabang, Terengganu .

Prior to the event, participants from our Section 5 received detailed guidance regarding safety measures. and equipped with essential tools such as gloves, trash bags, gardening tools, and safety gear.

After several hours of dedicated efforts, the Section 5 team collected approximately 30-40 large bags of rubbish, making a significant impact on the cleanliness and preservation of the area.

MESRA ECRL (East Coast Rail Link) Programme is an initiative from the CCC-ECRL and Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), Mesra ECRL aims at fostering closer ties with the community living near the ECRL stations and raise their awareness about the mega-rail project.

The event was held at the Pejabat Daerah Dan Tanah Kemaman, En. Ahmad Farhan bin Abdul Wahab,Kemaman Dirstict Officer graced the occasion, accompanied by  Madam Grace Cheng,Corporate Director of CCC-ECRL, Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn. Bhd and Tuan Haji Ahmad Nazwawi bin Harun,Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Kemaman.

A video presentation showcasing the progress of the ECRL project. Local Residents were happy by the monumental efforts involved in constructing railway tracks, bridges, and tunnels that will connect Kemaman to other major cities in the region. The video exemplified the project’s commitment to elevating the town’s infrastructure to new heights and opening doors to boundless opportunities.

CCC-ECRL expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community for their unwavering support and patience throughout the construction phase. CCC-ECRL also emphasized the economic benefits and job opportunities the ECRL would bring to Kemaman, promising a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

To ensure transparency and address any concerns, a  Q&A session was held, allowing local residents, Representatives of Village Heads, and Kemaman District Office Officers to engage with the project team. The project team and government officials patiently clarified doubts and provided detailed explanations regarding the project’s effects on daily life and measures in place to mitigate disruptions.