PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) said today construction of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will continue in accordance with stipulated safety standards following a suit filed by a Gombak resident who claimed the project poses a risk to his safety and home.
The company said it took public concerns and complaints seriously, emphasising that safety remained a key priority in implementing the project.
“ECRL construction works will continue in accordance with approvals, technical specifications, regulatory requirements and safety standards set by the relevant authorities,” MRL said in a statement.
“MRL remains committed to completing the ECRL project according to the scheduled timeline while prioritising safety, quality and public interest so that this national strategic project can benefit the people and support the country’s economic development.”
Last Sunday, FMT reported that Hishamuddin Jumat, a resident of Taman Mutiara Gombak 2 in Gombak, Selangor, had filed a RM1.3 million suit against MRL, China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC) and the Selayang municipal council.
He claimed that construction of the ECRL project, which began in early 2024, had caused significant water accumulation on the slope behind his house, increasing the risk of soil movement.
Hishamuddin said he filed the writ of summons at the Kuala Lumpur High Court as a last resort after nearly two years of attempting to resolve the matter with the three defendants.
At a press conference, he said he had lodged a formal complaint with CCC and MRL in February 2024, alleging that strong vibrations from the construction work had caused cracks to the walls, floors and ceiling of his house.
He added that he later wrote to the prime minister and several ministries after his complaints “were ignored”.
Last week, transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the ECRL rail link was set to begin passenger services in January 2027, followed by cargo operations in early 2028.
Spanning 665km, the electrified rail network links Kota Bharu in Kelantan to Port Klang in Selangor, reducing travel time from over seven hours by car to around four hours.
