The government will provide incentives to companies to encourage the use of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) for cargo, when the mega rail project is completed in 2027.
This was revealed by transport minister Anthony Loke, who was answering a question in parliament yesterday about methods to reduce the number of heavy vehicles on the road during peak hours, and to reduce the accident rate.
The Seremban MP said that industries using the ECRL is one of the best ways to reduce the number of heavy vehicles on highways, which will potentially reduce congestion and the accident risk. “We see this (ECRL for goods) as a good alternative, especially for the heavy vehicle route to the East Coast. This policy (incentives) will be introduced when the ECRL is completed,” Loke said, reported by Bernama.
Last month, finance minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said that the ECRL – which connects Kota Bharu to Port Klang, spanning four states – has reached 78.5% completion as of January 2025, and it is scheduled to begin operations from early 2027. More on the ECRL’s current status here.
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U dont actually reduced congestion or accident by encouraging rail usage. U just focussed the congestion and accident to ‘last mile’ movement only.
The fact that the incentive needs to be provided to encourage usage is a total red flag. It means whatever that is ‘subsidise’ to be used is actually not ‘working’. What happen when there is no longer incentive? Slowly die?
2027…first ECRL East coat to KL
Ridership..projection
A.Lembu,chicken.kambing….40%
B.Cement/building materials 30%
C.Passengers 30%
Ahlokekor…this is reality,not myth.However this is not your fault.
Why dont focus on expanding MRT and Trains for people. Stop building roads and starts building rails. Trains, MRT and all public transport can reduce congestion not just trains for cargo. Look at Japan and Europe, most of people travels using public transport. Incentivise public transport.