KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu Mentri Besar Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (pic) hopes the East Coast Rail Link project will be continued as cancelling it could bring disastrous effects to the state’s economy.
“There are several unanswered questions and it is crucial for me to get more information about it,” said the Rhu Rendang assemblyman when met by pressman at an Aidiladha event in his constituency on Wednesday (Aug 22).
Dr Ahmad Samsuri said ECRL works, including land acquisition as well as building tunnels and bridges, was ongoing despite the project being suspended shortly after the 14th General Election.
He said instead of cancelling the project altogether, the Government could look at other alternatives including issuing local tenders and forging joint ventures with other foreign partners who could complete the work at a more reasonable cost.
“I believe this would be a better alternative than to cancel the project completely,” he said.
Dr Azman Ibrahim, state exco chairman for agriculture, agribusiness and rural development, shared a similar viewpoint.
He said that the cancellation would rob locals of potential job opportunities.
“Worst, it will look like the Government is denying three Opposition-led states – Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu – from enjoying the socio-economic impact the ECRL could bring,” he added.
Dr Azman also said it was not too late for the Government to withdraw its decision to cancel the project adding that local experts are sure to find a way to continue the project at a lower cost.
On Tuesday (Aug 21), Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced the cancellation of both the ECRL and two gas projects in Sabah, owing to the country’s financial woes.
Speaking at a press conference on the last day of his five-day visit to Beijing, Dr Mahathir said that the Chinese government had agreed and understood Malaysia’s stand.-.thestar
