INFRASTRUCTURE DIPLOMACY AND ECONOMIC INTEGRATION: ANALYZING THE ECRL PROJECT’S ROLE IN MALAYSIACHINA RELATIONS AND TERENGGANU’S DEVELOPMENT
Muhammad Izzuddin Aiman Azlan
Mohd Shazwan Mohd Ariffin
DOI:
Keywords:
ECRL; economic; political; policy; Malaysia.
Abstract
This study examines the impact of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on Malaysia, focusing on the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project. This research focuses on TDM Berhad, a Government-Linked Company (GLC) with a significant presence in Terengganu’s economy, particularly in the plantation sector. Chosen for its central role in the region and involvement in industries impacted by the ECRL movements, TDM Berhad provides valuable insights into the political-economic landscape of Terengganu. The study highlights the opportunities and challenges posed by the ECRL project, offering a critical perspective on the economic shifts and governance issues shaping the region’s development. Through semi-structured interviews and archival data analysis, it explores the policy implications of large-scale BRI infrastructure investments. The findings highlight the ECRL’s potential for economic growth, enhanced connectivity, and job creation, while also raising concerns about Malaysia’s foreign policy autonomy, national security, and the alignment of federal and state policies with Chinese interests. Additionally, the project reveals governance challenges and deepens socio-economic disparities in affected regions. In terms of policy implications, this research offers key insights for policymakers and researchers on the political and economic implications of BRI initiatives in Malaysia. However, one limitation of this research is its focus on the short-term impacts, without fully exploring the long-term geopolitical and socio-economic effects, particularly in terms of Malaysia’s alignment within ASEAN. Future research should investigate these long-term implications, as well as the social and environmental consequences, to provide a more comprehensive view of the BRI’s impact on Malaysia.
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