Malaysia’s East Coast Railway fares released, aiming to launch commercial operations in mid-December

China News Service, Kuala Lumpur, October 19 (Reporter Liu Yuying) Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) announced the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) passenger fare plan on the 19th. The plan was approved by the Malaysian Cabinet on October 16 and adopts a dynamic fare mechanism. Tickets are expected to go on sale in mid-November 2026. The Gombak to Kota Bharu section is planned to be put into commercial operation in mid-December this year and still requires relevant approvals.

The fare plan includes preferential measures. Children, the elderly, the disabled and retired civil servants can enjoy a 50% discount, and students can receive a 40% discount. The line will initially be equipped with 10 electric multiple units with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour. It is expected to provide approximately 2.2 million seats in 2027.

This flagship project of China-Malaysia’s high-quality joint construction of the “One Belt, One Road” is undertaken by China Communications Construction Group. Once opened to traffic, it will connect the four states of Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan, open up the east-west coast corridor of the Malay Peninsula, shorten cross-regional travel time, and promote the development of commerce and tourism along the route.

The East Coast Railway is divided into express trains and local trains. The express train stops at four major stations: Gombak Station in Selangor, Kota SAS Station in Pahang, Kuala Terengganu Station in Terengganu, and Kota Bahru Station in Kelantan. Ordinary trains can stop at all stations along the way, and the fares fluctuate according to passenger flow and time periods.