Are local firms capable of building ECRL for less?

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Opposition MPs demand proof that local firms cannot build ECRL for less than RM55 billion
Opposition MPs are challenging the claim that the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) must cost RM55 billion by asking for proof that local firms cannot deliver the project for less. They argue that Malaysian engineering and construction companies have already carried out comparable rail works, citing double-tracking projects with far lower per-kilometre costs than the ECRL estimate. The MPs also dispute comparisons made to European high-speed rail lines, saying the cost basis should be compared like with like.
MPs say the RM55 billion figure needs substantiation
The questioning centres on the RM55 billion price tag awarded to a Beijing-linked company, China Communication Construction Company Ltd (CCCC). Opposition lawmakers said they want Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan to show proof that a conventional railway would cost more than RM55 billion, or that no local firms have the necessary expertise to complete the ECRL for far less. They pointed to the minister’s earlier explanation that tunnelling expertise for the Titiwangsa mountain range drove the cost.
They cite Malaysian rail double-tracking costs of RM44 million and RM39.8 million per kilometre
Pakatan Harapan MPs highlighted two Malaysian double-tracking projects as examples of work undertaken by Malaysian firms: the 329km Ipoh-Padang Besar link and the 179km Gemas-Johor Bahru link. They said the Ipoh-Padang Besar project cost RM44 million per kilometre, while Gemas-Johor Bahru cost RM39.8 million per kilometre. By contrast, they referenced an ECRL estimate of RM91.7 million per kilometre and a total cost of RM55 billion for 600km.
They challenge the speed comparison used to justify tunnelling-intensive costs
The MPs criticised the minister for comparing the ECRL to European high-speed rail lines. They said European high-speed rail can reach up to 300km per hour, while the proposed ECRL is 170km per hour. Their position was that comparisons should account for like-for-like project characteristics rather than relying on tunnel intensity alone.
Deal terms for the ECRL and expected timeline are tied to CCCC
Malaysia and China agreed on a Framework Financing Agreement and an Engineering, Procurement, Construction Contract for the US$13.10 billion (RM55 billion) ECRL on November 2. The agreement was signed by Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd and CCCC, witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his Chinese counterpart, Li Keqiang. The project is expected to connect Port Klang to Gombak, Gombak to Dungun, and Dungun to Tumpat, with construction expected to start in early 2017.

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Are local firms capable of building ECRL for less?

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