‘ECRL TICKETS MAY BE SUBSIDISED’
Daim urges Terengganu folk to grab opportunities arising from project
TERENGGANU residents will get a chance to travel on the highspeed train of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), and their tickets may even be subsidised by the operators.
Council of Eminent Persons chairman Tun Daim Zainuddin said it was only logical for the high-speed train to make stops in Terengganu as the railway line
would be constructed as originally proposed in the earlier agreement with China.
“Fear not. People of Terengganu will have a chance to ride in the train. The railway line will pass through the state. The tickets, without subsidy, will cost RM500 each to break even, but the government will most likely make it affordable.
“Otherwise, travelling by air will be cheaper. ECRL is built for the people and, as such, the tickets will be subsidised,” he said at Bicara Darul Iman, the first series of a discourse programme between invited guests and senior government officers with influential figures.
One of the goals was to build a first-class mindset among leaders, senior civil servants and captains of industry in public and private sectors through exposure to current issues.
Earlier, when addressing the audience, Daim said he was in Beijing, China, to sign a new contract for the construction of ECRL.
“I know many in the east coast, including Terengganu, have been keen for this project to continue. And news that ECRL will proceed has brought joy to many.
“One of the most significant concessions we won from the Chinese side is the increase of local participation in the construction of ECRL to 50 per cent of all works, from 30 per cent of civil works.
“Add to that, side industries like homestays, food, transport and retail will flourish with the resumption of work on the ECRL, and we have a situation where entrepreneurs and businesses, big and small, will have a much bigger pie to sink their teeth into,” he said.
He added that the opportunities that arise would be a good test for Bumiputera entrepreneurs in Terengganu and the East Coast to meet demand and competition.
“Hence, I call on those present here and the people of Terengganu to start thinking outside the box if they intend to be part of this economic future. They should have discourses with the local authorities and state government to compile a list of initiatives, which will bring about change and prosperity to the state and its people.
“The state and its people should have long-term plans to facilitate this new development with elements that can build up the ecosystem along the railway route. Start thinking of new products, new services that Terengganu can offer, not only to the rest of Malaysia but also the rest of the world.
“Ensure that all this is done with honesty, integrity, diligence and trustworthiness. Think long term instead of thinking about immediate profits.
“Do not sacrifice quality for profit. Do not cut corners to make your work easier. Do not cheat. Do not shortchange. Take pride in your product. Take pride in your service.
“The future is in your hands. Ask yourself what you have contributed to the Bumiputera Economic Agenda and what role you can play.
“Don’t keep asking what the government is offering to the Bumiputera economy.”