ECRL targets Dec 12 launch with 30pc fare discount, freight services to run concurrently, says Anthony Loke

Transport Minister Anthony Loke during a tour of the exhibition area after launching Transport Expo Asia 2026 at Mitec in Kuala Lumpur, October 20, 2026. He said the ECRL is targeting December 12 to begin services, with ticket sales expected to start in mid-November. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

By Soo Wern Jun

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 1:05 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) will offer a 30 per cent discount on Economy Transit and Express fares for the first month of operations. 

The Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) is targeting December 12 for the start of services, with ticket sales expected to begin in mid-November, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said after launching the Transport Expo Asia 2026 here today. 

“The promotional discount applies to the public who do not qualify for existing concessionary fares, while eligible passengers, including persons with disabilities (OKU), children age two to 12, senior citizens and students, will continue to enjoy permanent 50 per cent discounts.

“Fares were set with affordability and the company’s financial sustainability in mind.

“We have taken a middle-ground approach,” Loke said, adding that while ECRL fares were comparable with airline tickets, they were significantly cheaper.

He also said the journey time and comfort offered by the rail service were comparable to air travel.

Freight operations to begin alongside passenger services

When asked on freight operations between Gombak and Kota Bharu, Loke said they are expected to begin alongside passenger services, allowing the railway to serve both passenger and cargo transport needs.

“Freight services connecting to Port Klang will take approximately another year to be completed, as construction of the section between Gombak and Port Klang is still ongoing.

“MRL will review freight charges in due course,” he added. 

Cabinet approval on ECRL extension to Rantau Panjang

On the ECRL extension, Loke said the Cabinet has approved a proposed 32km extension Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, reaching the Malaysia-Thailand border.

“The project is now at the stage of cost and technical studies, alongside land acquisition, and is expected to take approximately four and a half years to complete.

“The first two years will focus mainly on land acquisition and technical evaluation, as land along the proposed corridor must be acquired from the state government and local landowners before construction can begin,” he said. 

He added that the extension is expected to strengthen cross-border rail connectivity, although further details on its cost, construction schedule and implementation have yet to be provided.