Malaysia approves new train line extension to Thai border

The Malaysian government has approved an extension of its East Coast rail line to the Thai border in Narathiwat province.

The extension, which will run between Kota Bharu in Kelantan and the border town of Rantau Panjang, opposite Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok district, was among several state projects endorsed by Kuala Lumpur, Bernama reported on Sunday, citing Kelantan Chief Minister Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.

Malaysia is currently building the East Coast Rail Link, a major new line connecting Port Klang on the west coast to Kota Bharu. The project aims to boost trade, investment and tourism along the east coast.

Kuala Lumpur intends to use the rail network to transport more Malaysian goods to China via the Asean member states Thailand and Laos.

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