Kuantan Port Consortium Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of IJM Corporation Berhad, Northport (Malaysia) Bhd, a member of MMC Group, and Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) land bridge connecting Kuantan Port to Port Klang.

The MOU outlines a comprehensive collaboration among all parties across several key areas. This includes the development of a strategic plan for establishing a land bridge connecting rail and port operations, which will facilitate efficient cargo movement between the two ports leveraging on the ECRL and reducing transit times. This partnership will also capitalise on the trade opportunities derived from the Belt and Road Initiative as well as the Halal Silk Route to bolster trade and investment links throughout Asia.

Another area of collaboration is in human capital development, which will be carried out through the exchange of technical expertise to address industry challenges and advance operational capabilities. Northport’s NICE (Northport International Centre of Excellence), a training centre accredited by Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran and Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), will be utilised to provide comprehensive training programmes, enhancing skills and competencies across both ports.

According to MRL CEO, Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, MRL together with Kuantan Port and Northport will develop a comprehensive plan involving infrastructure requirements, operational procedures and timelines that will optimise the usage of the ECRL land bridge. This includes coordinating efforts between the parties to ensure a smooth integration of rail and port operations as well as cargo movement between Kuantan Port and Northport.

ECRL, administered and implemented by MRL, is a 665-km electrified railway link infrastructure project that connects Kota Bharu in Kelantan to Port Klang in Selangor, bridging the East Coast and West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This project aims to link state capitals, major urban centres, industrial hubs, ports, airports and tourism zones while interchanging with existing railway lines in Peninsular Malaysia.

The project, which is scheduled for full completion in December 2027, is designed to enhance transportation connectivity, facilitate economic development, and promote trade and tourism along the East Coast region. Primarily a cargo route, the ECRL focuses on optimising rail use with 70% capacity for freight and 30% for passengers, emphasising industrial parks, logistics hubs and transit-oriented developments.