Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismall Sabri bin Yaakob said the fares should be people-friendly like what is offered by the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad electric train service (ETS) and not prohibitive as alleged in the social media. — Picture by Hari Anggara
Thursday, 23 Jun 2022 6:48 PM MYT
BENTONG, June 23 — The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has been asked to discuss with stakeholders to set reasonable fares for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) which is expected to start operating in January 2027, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the fares should be people-friendly like what is offered by the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad electric train service (ETS) and not prohibitive as alleged in the social media.
Apart from that, Ismail Sabri said Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) would be generating side income that could help cover operating costs and repayment of the ECRL project construction loan from China EXIM Bank.
“A 50:50 joint-venture company between MRL and China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) is planned to be set up to make a success of the ECRL operations, including jointly bearing operational costs and risks.
“This joint-venture company will provide technical assistance and intensify the transfer of railway technology as well as jointly operate and maintain ECRL for the long term,” he said when launching the Pahang ECRL Genting Tunnel construction work here today. — Bernama
