The East Coast Economic Region (ECER) of Malaysia covers the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and the district of Mersing in Johor. It occupies an area of 66,000 sq km or 51% of the total area of Peninsular Malaysia.

The ECER Master Plan, approved by the Government in 2008, was formulated as a basis to guide the development of ECER until 2020. It identifies projects and programmes to reduce regional socio-economic disparities, eradicate poverty and improve income and wealth distribution in a sustainable manner. Cistri is part of a team of experts led by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to review this Master Plan and update it for the next cycle of planning and implementation.

Infrastructure development is critical to the growing ECER and rail is a key enabler for the region. Recognizing this, the Government of Malaysia has proposed construction of East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a new railway that will connect the ECER states to the Greater Klang Valley. The proposed alignment features 23 stations running along a 600 km route. Cistri is advising ECERDC on the positioning of each of the proposed 23 stations for the most desirable economic development outcome for the surrounding towns and population.

Cistri is advising ECERDC on the positioning of each of the proposed 23 stations for the most desirable economic development outcome for the surrounding towns and population.