An aerial drone photo taken on March 16, 2026 shows rails near the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)'s Gombak station in Selangor state, Malaysia. A ceremony was held Monday at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)'s Gombak station, marking a major milestone for the Malaysian ECRL, as track-laying was completed on the Kota Bharu-Gombak section of a mega rail project, which is being built by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony was held Monday at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)'s Gombak station, marking a major milestone for the Malaysian ECRL, as track-laying was completed on the Kota Bharu-Gombak section of a mega rail project, which is being built by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

Speaking at the event, Malaysian Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan said that the 519-km stretch was finished ahead of schedule, highlighting the efficient synergy and close cooperation between Malaysia and China.

"The over-600-km rail line is not only a strategic national asset but also a symbol of close cooperation between the two countries," Malaysian Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said, adding that it would provide a more modern, efficient, and safer travel experience for the people, as well as transforming Malaysia's transportation system.

With the completion of the track laying for the Kota Bharu-Gombak section, the electric multiple unit will soon undergo an 8,000 km trouble-free running test, a crucial step toward commercial operation, said Deng Bo, CCC-ECRL Managing Director.

The ECRL, a flagship initiative under the China-Malaysia Belt and Road cooperation, spans over 600 kilometers in total. The first phase, running from Kota Bharu to Gombak, is slated to begin operations in January 2027. Work is ongoing on subsequent phases and operational preparations. ■

An aerial drone photo taken on March 16, 2026 shows rails near the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)'s Gombak station in Selangor state, Malaysia. A ceremony was held Monday at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)'s Gombak station, marking a major milestone for the Malaysian ECRL, as track-laying was completed on the Kota Bharu-Gombak section of a mega rail project, which is being built by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

Malaysian Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar speaks during a ceremony held at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)'s Gombak station in Selangor state, Malaysia, March 16, 2026. A ceremony was held Monday at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)'s Gombak station, marking a major milestone for the Malaysian ECRL, as track-laying was completed on the Kota Bharu-Gombak section of a mega rail project, which is being built by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

Malaysian Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan speaks during a ceremony held at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)'s Gombak station in Selangor state, Malaysia, March 16, 2026. A ceremony was held Monday at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)'s Gombak station, marking a major milestone for the Malaysian ECRL, as track-laying was completed on the Kota Bharu-Gombak section of a mega rail project, which is being built by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)