Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) Sdn Bhd CEO Darwis Abdul Razak said this testing process will ensure the system is fully operational before the official launch of ECRL’s first phase in January 2027, Bernama reported.

He said the first set of 11 six-carriage electric multiple unit (EMU) trains for passenger service is expected to arrive by year-end, along with the first of 12 electric locomotives for freight transport.

“The first EMU trains and locomotives are expected by November or December. The remaining units will arrive in stages next year,” he said after the launch of the sustainable development goals sukuk impact report for the ECRL project, held at the Section 10 project site in Kuantan today.

It was officiated by finance minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan.

Darwis said all track installation works for the ECRL in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang were set for completion by year-end.

“The 400km track from Maran, Pahang, to Kota Bharu was completed on Jan 15.

“Installation work on the 100km stretch from Maran to Bentong will begin in April and will be completed in three months.”

On the 16.39km Genting tunnel, Darwis said 14.3km of excavation has been completed, with full completion expected by May.

The overall progress of the ECRL project covering Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Selangor has reached 78.5% as of last month.