Selangor Rail Line-ECRL integration to spur urbanisation in state’s northern corridor

6 days ago

Selangor Rail Line-ECRL integration to spur urbanisation in state’s northern corridor

By Amar Shah Mohsen

SHAH ALAM, Oct 31 — Plans to link the proposed Selangor Rail Line with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) are expected to fast-track urbanisation in the state’s northern region and coastal areas, said a prominent economist. 

This is as the state’s rail project is set to feature stations stretching from Klang to northern Selangor, tracing a path along the state’s coastlines.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said by linking the line to the ECRL — which connects the east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang to the central region of west coast — it promises spillover effects. 

“There will certainly be economic development in the areas involved, especially in the property and infrastructure sectors. 

“It will fast track the development and urbanisation of locations along that rail line. I suppose it will become a catalyst,” he told Media Selangor in an interview yesterday. 

Afzanizam was commenting on Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari’s remarks on Tuesday (October 29) that the state government plans to connect the Selangor Rail Line with the ECRL alignment some time after 2026, likely via the proposed Kuala Selangor and Klang stations. 

Plans for a new railway line connecting Klang to the northern region of the state was first mooted as part of the Selangor Pakatan Harapan election manifesto ahead of the state election in August last year. 

In July, state executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han said the high-impact project will develop and connect areas like Kapar, Jeram, Kuala Selangor, Sekinchan, and Sabak Bernam. 

Meanwhile, Afzanizam is concerned about the state’s plan is if more companies move towards the flexible working arrangement that was proven doable during the Covid-19 pandemic — this would lead to lower public transportation usage. 

“I am a believer of flexible working arrangements, especially with businesses getting tougher and looking at ways to cut costs. 

“If this hybrid arrangement works, I would imagine the demand for public transport may not be as high as today, because what matters then is Internet connectivity,” he said.

Afzanizam added that the shift towards a hybrid work model is likely to accelerate, driven by current trends and rising demand among younger talent.

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