Media Release Details

EPIC Berhad And Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd Forge Strategic Partnership To Power Up East Coast Connectivity

Kuala Terengganu, 09 October 2024 – Eastern Pacific Industrial Corporation Berhad ("EPIC Berhad" or "the Group") and Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd ("MRL") have signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU"), marking another pivotal step towards exploring strategic collaboration in integrating the Group’s operations with the East Coast Rail Link ("ECRL") network. The ceremony, held at Primula Beach Hotel, Kuala Terengganu, was witnessed by Transport Minister, YB Tuan Loke Siew Fook, and Terengganu Menteri Besar, YAB Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

 The inked MoU outlines the commitment of both parties to foster collaboration in key related areas, aimed at promoting transportation and cargo handling efficiencies. This includes the integration of EPIC Berhad’s logistics operations with the ECRL network, focusing on the spur line at Kemaman Port. By bringing together the power of rail and port, this expertise cross-over is anticipated to create new commercial opportunities, supercharge regional connectivity, and drive economic growth in Terengganu, in line with the Group’s master plan for the expansion of Kemaman Port.

The ECRL, which spans across Peninsular Malaysia via a 665-kilometre ("km") electrified railway that connects Kota Bharu, Kelantan, to Port Klang, Selangor, is poised to play a pivotal role as a land bridge, linking key industrial hubs and opening a direct route between the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca. Its integration with Kemaman Port, on the other hand, is expected to streamline cargo movement, reduce transportation costs, and further develop Terengganu’s standing as an industrial powerhouse.

At the signing ceremony, EPIC Berhad Group Chief Executive Officer, Ts. Haji Muhtar Suhaili, and MRL Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, formalised the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

Ts. Haji Muhtar, in his address, expressed his enthusiasm and highlighted the significance of the collaboration especially with the existence of ECRL spurline to Kemaman Port, noting its potential to not only further drive the Group’s multi-facted operations, especially its port management business segment, but also Terengganu’s economic landscape.

We are thrilled to take this leap forward with MRL. Combining the strategic location of Kemaman Port, an all-weather deep-water port, and EPIC Berhad’s diverse business portfolio with the ECRL’s far-reaching network, including the economic heart of the country—the Greater Klang Valley, opens up a world of possibilities. It will unlock efficiencies in logistics, enhance trade routes, and put Terengganu on the map as a key player in Malaysia’s transportation and industrial sectors."

Dato’ Sri Darwis said the formalisation of the MoU with EPIC Berhad, an integrated oil & gas solutions provider and port terminal operator, will facilitate a costeffective as well as efficient rail transportation for potential shippers to utilise Kemaman Port, which ranks among the deepest seaports in Malaysia.

He also stated that the MRL-EPIC Berhad collaboration will also explore strategic initiatives to promote seamless movement of goods and maximise transportation modal share for rail by integrating Kemaman Port with the ECRL’s 665-km alignment that connects seaports, industrial parks, major urban centres, and tourism zones, among others.

“MRL together with EPIC Berhad will identify the logistic and handling requirements for various types of bulk cargo that will complement the ECRL as a viable national infrastructure and Kemaman Port as an all-weather port. We will actively look out for synergistic opportunities to create added value in realising the full potential of our operations,” added Dato’ Sri Darwis.

The ECRL, which will traverse the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, features 20 stations along its rail alignment—10 designated for passenger only and 10 for both passenger and freight. Terengganu alone will have six ECRL stations of which Jerteh, Bandar Permaisuri, Kuala Terengganu, and Kemasik will serve as passenger-only stations, while Dungun and Chukai will cater to both passenger and freight services.

MRL is the project owner of the ECRL which is scheduled for completion from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal in December 2026, with operations commencing from January 2027 onwards. Its rail alignment from Gombak to Port Klang is expected to be completed by December 2027.