BENTONG: The newly revived East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Genting Tunnel project in Bentong, Pahang, is good news for locals as it is set to kickstart post-pandemic recovery along the east coast region in Peninsular Malaysia, says an MCA spokesman.

       Wong Siew Mun (pic) said that when the ECRL Bentong station opens along the Section C2 line of the ECRL, it would reduce traffic congestion and travel time between the east and west coasts of Malaysia.

       "Economic growth will be boosted while job prospects will be created, thereby helping to retain talents and avoiding the perennial problem of brain drain.

       "This move is in line with MCA's consistent position of supporting the ECRL Bentong station, which significantly changes the economic landscape of the east coast without damaging the environment impact," said Wong in a statement on Thursday (Jan 13).

       Earlier, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, during a site visit in Bentong, said the ECRL station is expected to be completed by Dec 31, 2026.

       Wong also said as travel time between the east and west coast of Peninsular Malaysia is shortened, it will lead to simplified logistics and human traffic, hence bringing about positive impacts to social and economic sectors.

       Wong cited a survey involving locals on the alignment of the ECRL project over the Section C2 route from Gombak to Port Klang.

       Wong said more than 98% of its respondents had expressed support for the project.

       "The ECRL will generate unlimited financial opportunities, especially in reactivating real estate and business activities in the surrounding areas," added Wong.

       Wong also said the ECRL project, particularly the northern alignment, is a project planned for the wellbeing of Malaysians.

       "It should not be politicised as a tool for politicking or for politicians to score political mileage."

       Wong also said the ECRL project is based on facts and figures, and the government had taken the best measures to ensure the best interests of the country and the people.

       "Presently, the most important thing is to be able to expedite the economic recovery of the east coast and even the entire nation, whilst co-existing with the Covid-19 pandemic," Wong added.

       According to Dr Wee, a public inspection conducted from September to November last year involving 12,797 respondents found 98.87% giving the green light for the proposed northern alignment that will pass through Bentong and Gombak through the Titiwangsa mountain range.

       The northern alignment was cancelled when Pakatan Harapan took over as Federal Government in 2018 and the former government had proposed a southern alignment that passes through Negri Sembilan to merge with Putrajaya.

       The 665km-long ECRL is scheduled for completion by December 2026 and will traverse the east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, and link the Klang Valley.