LOKE CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION ON FLOODING IN ECRL AREAS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) has been asked to promptly assess flood-affected areas, particularly in the East Coast, to determine whether the construction of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) has contributed to the disaster.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said there is a need for MRL to implement mitigation measures to reduce the burden on flood-hit residents and address recurring flooding issues.

Loke said Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) services had also been impacted as rising floodwaters have disrupted railway operations in several locations.

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“For areas where floods are linked to the ECRL project, I will instruct MRL to act swiftly and implement mitigation measures.

“Changing the alignment is not an option, as the bridges and viaducts are already in place. However, mitigation efforts are possible,” he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2025 at the committee level for the Transport Ministry (MoT) at the Dewan Rakyat today. 

Loke also expressed his sympathies for residents of the East Coast who are severely affected by the floods.

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Earlier, the Meteorological Department issued a dangerous-level continuous heavy rainfall warning for Kelantan, Terengganu and parts of Pahang, including Kuantan and Jerantut, until Friday.

Meanwhile, Loke revealed that MOT has been in discussions with the Finance Ministry (MoF) regarding diesel subsidies to support ferry operators nationwide.

“Good news is on the way. MoF has no objections in principle, but I need black and white confirmation to proceed,” he said, adding that the subsidies aim to ensure the sustainability of ferry services.

He said the subsidy initiative would benefit all ferry operators across Malaysia, not just those in Penang, adding that this approach seeks to maintain affordable ticket prices while helping operators sustain operations amid financial challenges.

On motorcycle e-hailing services, Loke said the concept has been explored previously but received limited interest.

However, he said MoT remains open to new proposals, provided they include a proof-of-concept (POC). 

“Culturally, Malaysians aren’t inclined towards motorcycle e-hailing. However, if the POC proves successful, I am open to supporting this initiative, particularly to address first-and last-mile connectivity,” he added.

-- BERNAMA