Tunjong will turn into largest city centre in Kelantan: Mustapa

KOTA BARU: The new town of Tunjong here, will turn into the largest city centre in Kelantan once the construction of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) station in the area is completed.
Kelantan Federal Action Council chairman Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the construction of the ECRL station would change the town into a new economic growth centre for the people in the state.
"The ECRL project will mobilise investment and small and medium industry, hence boost the local economy," he said at the ground breaking ceremony for Tunjong ECRL station project here today.
The event was officiated by caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and was attended by caretaker transport minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) Sdn Bhd chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah.
Mustapa said with the project in place, Tunjong would also emerge as a transportation and service hub in the state.
"The Tunjong ECRL station is located just 1km from Kota Baru-Gua Musang highway and will be a popular stopping point among road users as there will be a shopping mall and other facilities and infrastructure," he added.
Meanwhile, Mohd Irwan Serigar said a total of 3,600 university students and youths would be given training in various fields related to the project.
"So far, 185 young trainees have been hired by MRL Sdn Bhd as we aim to ensure that 70% of our workers are locals.
"In term of construction work, we will ensure that 30% of the contracts will be given to local contractors," he said.
The RM55 billion ECRL project that would involve a 688km long route links Port Klang, Selangor with Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.
It will have 28 stations offering passenger and cargo rail services and is expected to be ready in June 2024. — Bernama