The arrival of the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) and Electric Locomotive (E‑Loco) marks another major step forward for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), one of Malaysia’s most significant infrastructure projects. The new Emu & E-Loco ECRL trains were unveiled at a special ceremony at the KotaSAS ECRL Station in Kuantan, attended by ministers, senior government officials, industry leaders and representatives of Malaysia’s rail sector. The event opened with a progress video highlighting how far the ECRL has come, reflecting its role in delivering a modern rail system for the country, following which the Chinese Ambassador spoke, underscoring Malaysia and China’s ongoing cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The project will feature 11 six‑car EMU sets for passengers and 12 E‑Locos for freight, supplied by CRRC Dalian, with two EMUs and two E‑Locos already delivered. Each EMU can travel up to 160 km/h and carry 425 passengers, with interiors inspired by Malaysian art and equipped with amenities such as toilets, luggage racks, food counters, prayer rooms and accessible facilities. The E‑Loco can travel up to 80 km/h and pull 45 wagons, carrying up to 3,500 tonnes.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Communications reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering national infrastructure in a transparent and sustainable way, ensuring real benefits for communities across the East Coast. The Minister of Transport also noted that the Golden Train EMU and E‑Loco represent the next stage of modern rail technology, supporting a safer, cleaner and more efficient public transport system. The ECRL is also expected to help shift freight transport from road to rail between the Klang Valley and the East Coast, contributing to Malaysia’s green transport goals.
Guests later witnessed the official inauguration of the new trains, marking a key milestone in preparing the project for operations. Maxis was also formally appointed as the ECRL’s mobile network infrastructure provider, ensuring coverage along the alignment in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor. Attendees were then given the chance to ride the EMU from KotaSAS to Kuantan Port City.
The ECRL is now 91.7% complete and remains on schedule for the Kota Bharu–Gombak line to be finished by the end of 2026, with operations set to begin in January 2027.
images©Azneal Ishak, MOT
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