The East Coast Rail Link's (ECRL) prospect of providing improved travel in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia is welcomed, but the government must ensure tickets will be affordable, Terengganu PKR chief Azan Ismail said.
He noted that there are concerns tickets could be expensive due to the costly construction cost, which is expected to climb further due to the weakening ringgit.
"Many people from the East Coast welcomed the implementation of the ECRL, which is expected to alleviate traffic congestion.
"However, will they be able to afford tickets if they are many times more expensive than a flight to the same destination?
"At the same time, will the country and future generations be able to foot the debt taken on for the project?" Azan (above) said to Malaysiakini.
He urged the government to ensure that tickets will be affordable when the rail line is completed in 2026.
Azan said this in response to Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong, who said the ECRL is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in the East Coast during holiday seasons.
The 665km rail line is estimated to cost RM50.27 billion and will have stations in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor. - Mkini
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