Putrajaya has maintained that the cost of the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) is RM55 billion.

This is according to a parliamentary reply from the Finance Ministry (MOF) on Nov 9, amid news reports that the cost may go up to RM70 billion, due to expenses that are yet to be factored in.

"The cost for ECRL, which involves the cost of rail construction, rail stations construction, infrastructure and others, is at RM55 billion, as generally known," said the ministry in reply to Ngeh Koo Ham (DAP-Beruas), who asked about the cost of the project, who would be financing it, and the repayment plan...