Terengganu expects ECRL to lift economy and tourism
The state has discussed facilities and development near stations with Malaysia Rail Link, including transit-oriented development.
Terengganu anticipates economic and tourism benefits from the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), with services scheduled to start in mid-December, according to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
Addressing reporters following a State Executive Council meeting, Ahmad Samsuri said the state wanted entrepreneurs and business owners to explore opportunities created by the railway. These include transporting goods and extending their businesses into other locations.
He said the government believed greater convenience and flexibility in travel would help attract visitors. The railway would also support Visit Terengganu Year 2027 (TMT 2027), whose tourist arrival target is more than 15 million.
Discussions with Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) had addressed facilities and services around stations to meet the needs of expected visitors, he said. Talks also covered transit-oriented development (TOD) and other development nearby, intended to benefit residents, businesses and tourists.
The ECRL is expected to cut journey times linking the Klang Valley with the East Coast. From Gombak, travel is projected at approximately three hours to Kuala Terengganu and about four hours to Kota Bharu.
Terengganu’s 242-kilometre stretch of the railway has six stations, located in Chukai, Kemasik, Dungun, Kuala Terengganu, Bandar Permaisuri and Jertih.
