PETALING JAYA: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is progressing smoothly and according to its construction schedule, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       “I am happy that the construction progress of the ECRL project is running smoothly and according to the construction schedule.

       “With the effort and cooperation of all parties, I am confident that we can complete the ECRL project as planned,” he said during a visit to the construction site in Kuala Terengganu yesterday morning.

       Dr Wee was briefed by Kuala Terengganu Division Bridge Construction chief Wang Jian Guo.

       The 665km-long ECRL will traverse Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, and link to Port Klang via the northern part of Selangor.

       The minister also visited the Road Transport Department (JPJ) state headquarters in Kuala Terengganu, where he praised the performance and quality of service provided.

       Dr Wee commended the staff led by its director Zulkarnian Yasin.

       “The implementation of the completely cashless payment system is a good approach as it simplifies things for people and saves time spent queuing at JPJ counters.

       “By optimising the use of the six existing kiosks and adding another six this year, it can guarantee fast service and reduce waiting time at the counters, providing comfort to the public when dealing with JPJ.

       “The existence of a special lane or ‘prime lane’ that prioritises the disabled, pregnant women, elderly and victims of the recent floods is praiseworthy as it will help the public with their dealings here at JPJ,” he said during the visit.

       Dr Wee said the addition of 20 JPJ cars this year will help provide services to people who lived far from the department or Urban Transformation Centre branches, especially catering to rural folk.

       He said the Stage Bus System Transformation (SBST) known as MyBas, (a subsidy programme for stop-and-go bus services), has been implemented smoothly in Terengganu.

       “There are four routes between Kuala Terengganu-Merang Jetty, Kuala Terengganu-Marang, Kuala Terengganu-Bukit Payung and within Kuala Terengganu city which have been created to meet the needs of the people,” he said.

       Earlier in the afternoon, Dr Wee who is the MCA president, officiated the re-opening of the Marang MCA division service centre, following repairs over a one-and-a-half year period.