Technical Visit to East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Genting Tunnel Project

Mohamad Syazli Fathi

Seven members of Construction Quality & Maintenance Research Group, Razak Faculty of Technology & Informatics (RFTI), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), together with Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Ir. Dr. Zainal Mohamed have visited the Genting Tunnel project for East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).

This technical visit activity is part of the collaboration work between UTM and the Managing Director from Rendang Engineering Sdn. Bhd., Ir. Dr. Salimi Md Saleh.

The visit was led by Construction Quality & Maintenance (CQM) Research Group, Dr. Nur Fazilah Mohd Hashim, and supported by Green Cities & Construction (GCC) Research Group from RFTI, UTM.

We received a very warm welcome from the Regional Construction Manager, Mr. Yusni Shahadan of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn. Bhd. (MRL) and team.

A technical briefing on the Tunnel Boring Machine were given by the Senior Tunnel Engineer Section 7 (Pahang), 8 & 9 (Selangor), Mr. Mohamed Atiq Muid.

It was a very interesting visit as it gave an exposure regarding Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which was used to excavate the twin-bore Genting Tunnel portion of ECRL, the biggest of its kind in South-East Asia.

The TBMs were manufactured by the China Communications Constructions Company (CCCC) Tianhe Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd. in Shanghai, China and were custom made for use in hard rock conditions.

The Genting Tunnel is also the longest in South-East Asia for rail and excavation works to be conducted.

The TBM has a maximum digging capacity of 700m per month for the 16.39km twin-bore Genting Tunnel between Bentong and Gombak.

Mr. Atiq also explained that the TBM’s three main roles are in tunnel excavation, removing excavation waste to the surface and installing concrete walls in the tunnel.

Significant discussions were conducted between the visitors and the project team regarding research and engineering works with the present of Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Zainai Mohamed and the Director for MRL, Ir. Dr. Salimi Md Saleh.

MRL is optimistic that the high-technology TBM will be able to take on geological and engineering challenges excavating across the Titiwangsa mountain range.

The 665km-long ECRL, which is scheduled for completion by December 2026, will traverse the East coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, and link the Klang Valley in the process.

It is a long-awaited project by the people of east coast and its completion would enhance the socio-economic growth in the affected states.

Author

Mohamad Syazli Fathi

Mohamad Syazli Fathi is a highly accomplished academic and researcher with a wealth of experience in construction management, project management, system engineering, and sustainable development. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at Razak Faculty of Technology & Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur. In addition to his academic role, Mohamad Syazli has held several key leadership positions at UTM, including Deputy Dean for Research, Development & Innovation, Deputy Director for Occupational Safety, Health & Environment (OSHE), Deputy Director for the Centre for General Courses & Co-curriculum (CGCC), and Head of Construction Quality and Maintenance research group. These positions have allowed him to contribute significantly to the development and administration of various academic and research initiatives at UTM. With a strong interest in student development through co-curricular activities, Mohamad Syazli has led initiatives involving community engagement, entrepreneurship, sports, culture, innovation, leadership, volunteerism, and university social responsibility. He has also served as an academic coordinator, academic advisor, and civil engineering student society advisor, demonstrating his commitment to fostering the growth and development of students. Prior to his academic career, Mohamad Syazli worked in private sectors managing various private and national projects, including the construction of Electrical and Telecommunications Substation projects and the Malaysian flagship Telehealth project under the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC). This experience has given him valuable insights into project management, engineering informatics, safety and system engineering, disaster management, and disaster informatics, which he has brought to his academic work. Overall, Mohamad Syazli is a distinguished academic and leader who has made significant contributions to the field of construction management, project management, and sustainable development. His expertise and experience have positioned him as a valuable asset to the academic community and a mentor to students seeking to excel in their fields.

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