KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook stated today that approximately 1,800 employees will be required once the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) commences operations in January 2027.
Loke, who heads the ministry managing the RM50.3 billion initiative, stated that Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) has mandated that a minimum of 80% of the personnel for this project should be Malaysians.
These employees will encompass different proficiency levels, ranging from seasoned professionals to newcomers, ensuring the seamless and effective functioning of the East Coast Rail Link,” he stated during the introduction of employment prospects for the O&M stage of the project.
He mentioned that the event signified yet another significant milestone for the project since the O&M stage would involve nurturing new local talent via the ECRL Industrial Skills Training Program.
He mentioned that the initiative was designed to offer training and job prospects for a cumulative total of 3,200 individuals over time.
“For starters, 210 Malaysian trainees from various backgrounds will be dispatched to Liuzhou, China, this year for a comprehensive one-year training program,” he mentioned additionally.
The initial batch of 102 trainees is set to leave in phases starting from May 15.
The trainees, covering areas ranging from technical to non-technical disciplines, will participate in thorough training encompassing theoretical classes as well as practical sessions in managing railway systems.
This initiative focuses on nurturing proficient professionals for roles like assistant station attendants, signalling technicians, assistant train drivers, and overhead line technicians, amongst others.
“What’s truly inspiring is that participants in this program are assured jobs with the ECRL once they complete their training,” Loke stated.
He disclosed that the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), stretching across four states—Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor—had achieved an overall construction completion rate of 82.45% as of April.