Perodua & Kuantan Port Ink MoU With MRL – Explore ECRL As Transport Option

MRL, the concessionaire for ECRL, has signed an MOU with Perodua and Kuantan Port to explore goods and vehicle transport.

Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), the concessionaires of East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), has signed two memorandum of understanding (MOUs) with Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) and Kuantan Port Consortium Sdn Bhd (Kuantan Port).

The MOUs were signed by the CEO of MRL, Dato' Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, Perodua President and CEO, Dato' Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, and Chairman of Kuantan Port, Mr. Lee Chun Fai.

MRL and Perodua's MOU will look into the possibilities of using ECRL to transport Perodua products to the East Coast, answering the compact car manufacturer's growing logistical requirements.

MRL's CEO, Dato' Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, emphasised the importance of this MOU, adding that it unlocks ECRL's potential as a dependable logistics service provider for both local and international industries, rather than only a public transportation option.

Darwis further stated that the ECRL is critical to improving regional connectivity and economic development. The ECRL will speed up commodities transit between ports by connecting Kuantan Port directly to Port Klang's Northport and Westports, reducing the need for double handling.

Perodua President & CEO Dato' Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad

Meanwhile, Perodua President and CEO, Dato' Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, expressed enthusiasm for the relationship. "We are examining several modes of transportation for our products, and the ECRL appears to be a realistic option. This Memorandum of Understanding will assist us in investigating all potential opportunities.

Kuantan Port Chairman, Mr. Lee Chun Fai, emphasised the MOU's strategic importance. "Using the ECRL will strengthen our logistics network, increase connection and efficiency, and lower costs. "This partnership will establish Kuantan Port as a key gateway to the East, boost regional trade, and support economic development along the East Coast," he stated.

The 665-kilometre ECRL line would run through Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang, connecting to the Klang Valley with the Kota Bharu to Gombak Integrated Terminal, which is expected to be completed by December 2026 and operational in January 2027. Meanwhile, the segment between Gombak and Port Klang is scheduled to be completed by December 2027, with full operations beginning in January 2028.