HANGZHOU, Sept 24 — Malaysia and China have agreed on the proposed extension of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the project would not only stimulate economic activity in the remote areas of Kelantan which had previously been left behind, but would also establish a direct transport link with Thailand.

“Further discussions on the ECRL proposal will be held with all stakeholders before it is brought to the Cabinet for consideration,” Anwar told the Malaysian media at the conclusion of his working visit to China today.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said he also received positive feedback on the proposal during his discussions with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

The 665-kilometre ECRL is a land transportation project providing fast cross-regional services connecting the West Coast and East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

The ECRL route, starting in Kota Bharu and ending at Port Klang, will link 20 stations, including 10 passenger stations and another 10 stations that will combine both freight and passenger transport.

Also present at the press conference were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad.

Anwar said today’s bilateral talks with Premier Li Qiang were highly important as they covered strategic issues facing both countries and the Asean region, as well as providing information on the key agenda items for the meeting between United States President Donald J. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is currently on an official visit to Washington, DC.

Asked whether the issue of tariff restrictions and trade pressure from the US was discussed, Anwar said that Malaysia remains neutral and has chosen to maintain direct dialogue with the US, with China being fully aware of the matter.

Meanwhile, he also extended his heartiest congratulations to the 22 Malaysian participants competing at the 48th WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, which will run until the end of this week.

Earlier, Anwar also officiated the Malaysia Pavilion at the Fifth Global Digital Trade Expo at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Malaysia Pavilion, which brings together 15 exhibitors including four government agencies, highlighted Malaysia’s strengths and innovations across digital trade, artificial intelligence, cloud services, smart healthcare and cross-border e-commerce.

The Malaysian companies’ participation, which was coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), showcased the capabilities and strengths of country’s digital and tech-based companies competing in the global arena.

The Prime Minister departed for Malaysia at 4.15pm local time after ending his three-day working visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou, China. — Bernama