Tell us why we need ECRL, says Santiago

The Klang MP wants the government to provide a cost-benefit analysis on the RM55 billion project.

PETALING JAYA: Klang MP Charles Santiago wants Putrajaya to present a cost-benefit analysis on the costly East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

This comes after prominent economist Professor Jomo Kwame Sundaram criticised the RM55 billion ECRL project and questioned its necessity, arguing that the KTM rail lines in the country at present were sufficient, even though the ECRL was expected to transfer cargo faster.

Speaking to FMT, Santiago said the country would be left with the burden of paying the principal and interest for the project for decades to come.

He also said there was still nothing in the way of facts to prove that the project was indeed worth the effort.

“It’s a major burden for future generations and there is no clarity on the benefits, except that it will benefit Najib,” he said.

“I have asked this question in Parliament and the reply was that the project was at an embryonic stage, so there was no cost benefit analysis.”

Agreeing with Jomo, Santiago said not only did Malaysia already have the KTM, it also had ships that were already travelling through similar routes.

“This is a ‘save Najib’ project courtesy of the Chinese government.

“The onus is on the government to be transparent about the project, given the financial burden possibly inflicted on the people.”

The ECRL will create a 250km land bridge which could undercut the Strait of Malacca trade route, bypassing Singapore.

FMT attempted to contact China Railway Construction Corporation, the builder of the ECRL, and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad for their comments on the matter, but have yet to receive a response. -FMT