BEIJING: The possibility of extending the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, at the Thai border, is still at the initial discussion stage, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He, however, expressed hope that the plan would materialise as it would spur development in the area.

Speaking to Malaysian media at the end of his four-day visit to Tianjin and Beijing today, the prime minister said the proposal was still being studied.

"Currently, the line ends in Kota Baru. We feel it would be best if it could extend all the way to the Thailand border, adding 25 kilometres to reach Rantau Panjang.

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"The area from Kota Baru to Rantau Panjang is still underdeveloped. We hope that by having this and setting up stations there, the development ecosystem and business activities will improve.

"This is still at the initial discussion stage. The team will have to follow through with the details, costing, and payment model.

"Because it is a continuation, the cost will probably be much lower," he said.

Last month, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, commenting on the possible ECRL extension to Rantau Panjang, said the ministry was preparing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cross-border transport between Malaysia and Thailand.

Loke said the initiative aimed to ensure the realisation of cross-border rail connectivity.

He said the ministry would continue to refine the best alignment and cooperation model with Thailand to determine the direction of the proposal.

Further discussions with China and the main contractor, China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC), are also required as the project is still under construction and the proposed Rantau Panjang alignment forms part of the overall package.