Malaysia launches China-backed East Coast rail project amid concerns

Kuala Lumpur

MALAYSIAN Prime Minister Najib Razak on Wednesday presided over the groundbreaking of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a RM55 billion (S$17.5 billion) China-funded project he described as "a catalyst for equality" between the east and west coasts. But the project is also one that is giving many considerable pause because of its enormous costs as well as uncertainties over its viability.

China Communications Construction (CCC) has been picked to build the controversial 688-km line stretching from Port Klang in the west to Wakaf Baru in Kelantan. When completed over seven years, the travelling time by rail is expected to be halved to four hours.