Malaysia and China have agreed in principle to extend Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link to the border with Thailand's southernmost region, according to Malaysia's national news agency Bernama.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed support for taking the joint rail project, now under construction in north-eastern Malaysia, onwards to the Thai frontier. The agreement was reported as Mr Anwar concluded a visit to Hangzhou.
No details have yet been released on the proposed extension, including its route, timetable, funding or any rail connection on the Thai side of the border.
A proposed link to Rantau Panjang
Malaysia is building the 665-kilometre East Coast Rail Link, an electrified railway intended to connect Port Klang, the country's main west-coast port, with Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan state.
The project is designed to support economic development in Malaysia's eastern coastal states, including more remote areas. Part of the route is due to begin operating next year.
Passenger trains will run at up to 160 kilometres per hour, while freight services will have a maximum speed of half that level.
Malaysia wants the line extended from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, a border town opposite Sungai Kolok district in Narathiwat. The distance between Kota Bharu and Rantau Panjang is about 50 kilometres.
However, Kuala Lumpur must first secure China's approval for the extension. The rail line is being financed by Chinese loans and has a Chinese main contractor.
Thai and Malaysian leaders have previously pledged to improve transport connections between the two countries. Malaysia hopes that trains and lorries will help move more products for sale in China through Thailand.
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27 September 2026
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