A Journey through the Genting Tunnel

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.

CCCECRL Joins Hands with Malayan Tiger Conservation Center for Tree Planting Initiative

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Achievements and Commitments: ECRL’s HSE Performance in 2023

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

 

 

 

 

Major Milestone Achieved in ECRL Project with 24th Tunnel Breakthrough

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.

 

 

  

Deputy Minister of Transportation visited the Genting Tunnel

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.

 

 

CSR Gotong Royong

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.

M.E.S.R.A ECRL Kemaman Programme

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.

 

 

CCC- ECRL held a football friendly match with MRL

Kuala Lumpur, 27th May 2023. A friendly football match was organized  by CCC-ECRL and Malaysia Rail Link (MRL). This event aimed to provide an opportunity for employees to engage in cultural and sports activities, fostering team cohesion and cooperation spirit.

Mr. Liu Jianming and Mr. Ye Xiaoyang, Deputy General Managers of China Communications Malaysia East Rail Project, attended the event. The match was also attended by over 50 fans from MRL and the  CCC-ECRL, who came to show their support and cheer on the players.

Both teams exhibited exceptional gameplay throughout the match, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation. The crowd was treated to a display of brilliant tactics, skillful dribbles, and well-executed passes.

The match concluded with a display of sportsmanship and mutual respect between the two teams. CCC-ECRL players showed great character and determination throughout the game, giving their all until the final whistle.

 

 

Launching Ceremony of 1st ECRL Construction at Tunjong, Kelantan

On 12 May 2023, Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim launches the construction of ECRL’s first station in Kota Bharu.

This milestone marks a remarkable achievement for our ECRL project. Located on a 50.41 – acre site in Bandar Baru Tunjong , the construction of the ECRL Kota Bharu station will incorporate a building design, inspired by the Kelantan’s cultural heritage and will also showcase the charm of Rumah Meleh Melayu and Bunga Ketam Guri.

Also present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob, Chief Secretary of Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn. Bhd Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Darwish Abdul Razak and Executive Director Mr. Lui Hui represent China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC).

Furthermore, the launch event witnessed the exchange of memorandum of understanding (MoU) documents between MRL, CCC and the three educational institutions for the ECRL Industrial Skills Training Program (PLKI-ECRL). The participating institutions are Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT). The objective of the MoU is to leverage the services and expertise of educational institutions throughout the implementation of the PLKI-ECRL. It also involves collaboration in providing training and education while strengthening relationships among program participants

Transport Minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook visited the Genting Tunnel construction site in Bentong, Pahang

On 11 April 2023, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook visited the Genting Tunnel construction site in Bentong, Pahang.

The visit was hosted by MRL CEO Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, CCC-ECRL Managing Director Kong Qi and Deputy Director & Chief Engineer, Mr. Deng Bo.

During the visit, Minister Loke had the opportunity to experience the safety training center and view the ongoing construction works of the Genting Tunnel. The excavation works on the Genting Tunnel portion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), spanning 16.39 kilometres through the Titiwangsan Range is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2025. The Genting Tunnel also is the first ECRL tunnel to use the tunnel boring machine (TBM) method compared to the drilling and blasting methods used in other tunnels.