ECRL to Receive First Passenger Trains by Year-End Ahead of 2026 Launch
The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) continues to gain momentum, with Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) confirming that the first batch of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) passenger trains and electric locomotives (E-Loco) will arrive in Malaysia by the end of this year.
This marks a major step forward in the preparation for commissioning tests scheduled to begin in June 2026, ahead of the ECRL’s full commercial launch.
Key Details: EMU and Locomotive Rollout
MRL CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak shared the following rollout timeline:
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By end-2025:
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2 EMU trains
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2 electric locomotives
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By April–May 2026:
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Remaining 9 EMUs
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18 more electric locomotives
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🔢 Total Fleet by Mid-2026:
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11 EMUs for passenger services
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20 electric locomotives for freight operations
These modern electric trains will support dual-purpose operations, moving both people and goods efficiently between Malaysia’s East Coast and West Coast regions.
Strengthening Malaysia’s Transport and Human Capital
In tandem with physical infrastructure development, MRL is also investing in talent development:
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109 Malaysian students from higher learning institutions will undergo industrial skills training in Liuzhou, China between August and October 2025
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Trainees from polytechnics and MARA institutions are guaranteed ECRL employment post-training, with starting salaries of RM3,000
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Earlier this year, 101 students had already been sent under the PLKI-ECRL programme
“The synergy between TVET institutions and industry partners is crucial to shaping a resilient, globally competitive workforce,” said Darwis.
This initiative reflects Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring local workforce readiness for one of the nation’s largest rail infrastructure projects.
ECRL: A Game-Changer for Mobility and Property Growth
With track installation and tunnel works progressing steadily—including the recent Genting Tunnel breakthrough—the arrival of EMUs signals the transition from civil works to operational readiness.
Property & Economic Impacts of the ECRL:
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Improved Connectivity
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Reduced travel time between Kota Bharu and Port Klang
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Enhanced linkages between East Coast towns (Kuantan, Dungun, Temerloh) and urban centres
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Rising Demand for Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs)
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New townships and commercial hubs expected around ECRL stations
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Opportunities for land banking and early-stage investments
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Growth in Logistics & Industrial Real Estate
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20 electric locomotives to support freight transport, benefitting logistics hubs in Pahang, Terengganu, and Selangor
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Positive spillover to warehousing, ports, and manufacturing corridors
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Skilled Workforce Pipeline
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100+ trained local talents will support long-term rail operations, maintenance, and innovation, fostering job creation
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Where to Watch: ECRL-Linked Property Hotspots
Keep a close eye on the following areas as EMU rollout and track testing begins:
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Bentong & Temerloh (central nodes with land development potential)
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Kuantan (port-linked logistics & industrial demand)
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Gombak (ECRL–MRT interchange hub for KL connectivity)
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Dungun & Kota Bharu (East Coast uplift with tourism and logistics synergy)
🧭 Discover transit-oriented investment opportunities on klproperty.cc, including land, residential, and commercial listings near future ECRL stations.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming arrival of ECRL’s first electric trains not only marks a technical milestone—it signifies the start of Malaysia’s next phase in high-speed, low-carbon connectivity. Backed by skilled local talent and modern rail infrastructure, the ECRL is poised to unlock vast economic potential across regions.
For investors, developers, and jobseekers alike, now is the time to position yourself in the East Coast growth story.
