Pahang calls for review of ECRL service mix over passenger access concerns
KUANTAN, April 19 — The Pahang government has urged a reassessment of the operational structure of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), citing concerns that the current plan may not sufficiently benefit passengers.
Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the proposed allocation of services, which reportedly prioritises cargo over passenger transport, raises questions about the project’s effectiveness in easing traffic congestion.
Concerns over service balance
He noted that a 70:30 split in favour of cargo could limit the railway’s role as a viable alternative to road travel, particularly along the heavily congested Karak Highway.
Without a stronger focus on passenger capacity, the project may fall short of expectations in reducing traffic volume.
Limited passenger capacity
Wan Rosdy highlighted that each train is expected to accommodate around 400 passengers, a figure that must serve commuters from multiple states including Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.
This shared capacity could result in limited availability for Pahang residents, especially during peak travel periods.
Route dynamics may disadvantage Pahang users
Another concern raised was the train’s route, which begins in Kota Bharu and passes through Terengganu before reaching Pahang.
He pointed out that high demand in the earlier segments could lead to trains being nearly full by the time they arrive in Pahang, making it harder for local passengers to secure seats.
Call for policy adjustment
To address these concerns, the state government is advocating for a more balanced service composition that better reflects passenger needs.
Wan Rosdy said discussions will be held with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the interests of Pahang residents are adequately represented in the project’s implementation.
Entrepreneur expo highlights regional growth
Separately, he noted that the Malaysia East Coast Trade and Entrepreneur Expo 2026 successfully brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs from various industries.
Organised in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), the event provided a platform for business networking and identifying new growth opportunities in the region.
-aseannews.my
