Malaysia is prepared to discuss with Thailand’s new government the possibility of extending the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to the Sungai Golok border, strengthening regional connectivity and economic integration, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
In an interview with China’s CGTN, Anwar stressed that Malaysia does not intend for the ECRL to stop in the country’s north but to push on toward Thailand.
“The project is almost complete, and the additional stretch is small, about 25 kilometres. We hope to discuss this with the new or existing Thai government,” he said.
The ECRL, one of Malaysia’s largest infrastructure projects, is seen as a game-changer for logistics and trade flows across the peninsula. Anwar highlighted its broader economic impact, saying the project is designed not just to link stations but to create opportunities for businesses nationwide.
“Its potential lies in driving growth, not only in cities but also in rural and semi-urban areas. I’ve visited remote areas in northern Malaysia near the Thai border, and I want balanced solutions that spur both urban and regional development,” he added.
The proposed extension, if realised, would cement the ECRL’s role as a regional trade artery, deepening Malaysia’s connectivity with ASEAN markets.
