Construction of the diversion alignment linking the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to the operational area of Kuantan Port is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, according to Malaysia’s Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah. The connection is intended to strengthen the national land logistics network and enhance cargo connectivity along Malaysia’s East Coast.
The integration of the ECRL with Kuantan Port is expected to increase cargo handling capacity and improve freight movement between rail and maritime transport. As of January 2026, overall progress of the 665 km ECRL project had reached 91.7 per cent and remains on track for completion of the main alignment from Kota Bharu in Kelantan to the Gombak Integrated Terminal in Selangor by the end of the year.
Separately, the second phase of the Kuantan Port expansion project includes the construction of approximately one km of additional wharf infrastructure and a container storage yard covering about 50 hectares. These upgrades are aimed at strengthening container handling and cargo operations as the port develops its role as a major trading hub on Malaysia’s East Coast.
The first phase of the Kuantan Port development, which began in April 2013, was completed in August 2018 and currently supports dry bulk cargo operations. In the longer term, the government is also evaluating the potential for Kuantan Port to serve as a cruise homeport to support the development of Malaysia’s maritime tourism sector.
