In November last year a framework to finance and construct the East Coast Rail Line  (ECRL) was signed with China state-owned China Construction Communications Company.  The ECRL’s cost is estimated at approximately RM50 billion.On 15 March last year, the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and East Coast Economic Region Development Council conducted a market sensing exercise to gauge market interest, seek views and ideas for the ECRL.Starting on the 8th of March this year, this plan was open for public inspection.

The process ends today and not everyone is happy. Recently six environmental groups issued a statement on their concerns with a call to extend the public scrutiny. We asked them why.