Intra-state rail line better for Kelantan than ECRL, says trade consultant

Trade consultant Azran Deraman says it is still uncertain whether the ECRL will actually improve connectivity.

KUALA LUMPUR: A trade consultant says it would be better for the government to focus on a rail line connecting Tanah Merah to Tok Bali in Kelantan instead of the China-backed East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) which is not an urgent priority for economic growth in the state.

Azran Deraman, a former eastern region director for the international trade and industry ministry, said it was still uncertain whether the ECRL, meant to link Port Klang in Selangor with Pengkalan Kubor in Kelantan, would improve connectivity.

In particular, he highlighted concerns over ticket prices and cargo freight fees.

A line connecting Tanah Merah and Tok Bali, on the other hand, would benefit the people as the latter was a new economic zone, housing the Tok Bali Supply Base which offers offshore services.

“There is also a Malaysia Fisheries Development Agency complex in Tok Bali, and the Kelantan government has gazetted a site there for industrial activities.

“But there is no rail connectivity,” he said.

He urged the transport ministry to consider the suggestion, saying a connection to Tanah Merah would also mean linkage to a wider network of stations.

Azran, who contested the Jeli parliamentary seat for Pakatan Harapan in the May 9 general election, said this would boost the potential for economic growth at a lower cost than the ECRL.

He also noted concerns that locals would not fully participate in the ECRL project as the Chinese might opt to use resources from their own country.

On a separate note, the cross-border trade specialist suggested that the government re-consider opening cross-border train services between Sungai Golok in Thailand and Rantau Panjang in Kelantan, which had been closed to deter smuggling.

“This would help enhance cross-border economic activities,” he said, adding that with sufficient enforcement, smuggling activities could be prevented.

It would also be in line with Putrajaya’s agreement with Bangkok to expedite the construction of two bridges linking Kelantan and Narathiwat in Thailand, and reduce congestion at the Bukit Kayu Hitam border crossing in Kedah, he said.

“We need to exploit opportunities for cross-border business. We are facing the open market now, so we cannot afford to have our hands tied.” - FMT