PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has applauded the government for pushing forward with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project's original route.

The MCA president, praised the government for sticking to the original route even though it was opposed to in 2019 during Pakatan Harapan's first stint in power.

"There were many calls to either shorten, change the route or reduce the number of stations in the project to save money.

"I said repeatedly that this would only hurt the effectiveness of ECRL in the long run in its purpose to drive economic development in the East Coast," he said in a Facebook video on Tuesday (June 25).

The former transport minister also praised the government for continuing the project's original plan and not giving in to these calls.

Dr Wee also expressed happiness that many in the current government who previously opposed the project had since changed their mind and now support it.

He added that the economic and social benefits from the project would be well worth the initial investment.

"Not only will it drive more development to improve the lives of residents on the east coast, it will also help promote more local and international commercial activities.

"This will lower transportation costs for East Coast residents buying products from Kuala Lumpur and those selling their products in the city," he said.

This comes after Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the ground-breaking ceremony for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Gombak Integrated Terminal Station on June 19.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/25/dr-wee-praises-govt039s-decision-to-stick-with-original-ecrl-plan