The state-owned project manager Malaysia Rail Link (MRLSB) and the contractor China Communications Construction (CCCC) announced on 12th July 2024 that they would establish a joint venture (JV) to operate the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) once it is completed. The JV will share the costs and profits of the operation according to a fixed ratio, and the shareholders' agreement on the establishment is expected to be signed before the end of 2024. If the operation is in deficit, MRLSB and CCCC will each bear 50% of the risk; if there is an operating surplus, MRLSB will receive 80% of the profit and CCCC the remaining 20%. The 665 km long ECRL project is expected to be completed in December 2026 and to be put into operation in January 2027. An extension of the line from Gombak to Port Klang is expected to be completed in December 2027.
