The Kelantan state government will give full cooperation to Malaysian Rail Link Sdn Bhd in land acquisition for the construction of the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) linking Pengkalan Kubor in Tumpat to Port Klang, Selangor.

Kelantan Federal Action Council (MTPNK) chairperson Mustapa Mohamed said although there were a few things still pending between the developer and state government at the moment, he was confident these would be resolved.

"There are certain things that have not been resolved and this will certainly require cooperation from the state government.

"But we understand that the state government will give full cooperation to the ECRL project in the matter of land acquisition for its construction," he told reporters at a special gathering and Iftar in Kota Baru last night.

Also present was Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd chief executive officer, Darwis Abdul Razak.

Meanwhile, Darwis said the land acquisition process would start in July and it should take 12 months.

"We are going to follow certain procedures to ensure that the land acquisition process can be carried out in an orderly manner and to provide compensation at reasonable rates," he said.

It is understood that the land acquisition process would involve issuing a notification letter to property owners who have been identified before discussions could be held with those involved.

The implementation of the ECRL project stretching over 600km linking the Klang Valley to the East Coast through a network of rail service through Port Klang, the Integrated Transport Terminal (ITT) Gombak, Bentong, Mentakab, Kuantan, Kemaman, Kerteh, Kuala Terengganu, Jelawat in Bachok and ending in Pengkalan Kubor in Tumpat.

Earlier, Mustapa who is also international trade and industry minister, handed out Ramadan contributions to 50 recipients.

The event also served as a gesture of appreciation for former Kelantan Federal Development Department (JPP) director Makhtar Mustapha, who retired on May 23 and was replaced by Yahya Mamat.

- Bernama