PETALING JAYA: The rationalisation exercise of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project workforce was carried out according to employment contracts, says its main contractor China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL).



“In view of the Ministry of Finance's instruction to suspend work on the ECRL project, CCC-ECRL has taken the necessary steps to rationalise its workforce,” the company said in a statement on Monday.



It said the affected staff are primarily from the non-critical departments, confirming The Star’s earlier report.



“This rationalisation exercise has been carried out in accordance with the employment contracts between the staff and CCC-ECRL, and is also in compliance with all international and Malaysian laws and regulations, it added.



The company also said that all affected staff have been compensated fairly and according to prevailing contracts.



In addition, CCC-ECRL has also offered pay reduction and non-pay leave to other staff.



“As requested by asset owner Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), CCC-ECRL has also retained a considerable number of local staff to secure work sites,” it said.



“We are hopeful that the suspension of work is only temporary. We wish to continue extending our cooperation and assistance to the Malaysian Government and other related authorities during the review of this project.



"We look forward to the lifting of the work suspension order as soon as possible,” the company added.

CCC-ECRL is part of the China construction giant namely China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC).