A massive railway project in Malaysia with the cooperation of China would enhance the bilateral ties between the two countries, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said Wednesday.

The 600.3 km East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) would connect the populated area around the capital of Kuala Lumpur and the less developed region along the east coast of the Malaysian peninsula.

In a joint press release during Najib's visit to China in November, China and Malaysia said the two countries "welcomed the proposed East Coast Rail Line". China Communications Construction Company Limited has signed a business contract with Malaysian side on the engineering, procurement and construction of the project.

Najib said Wednesday that the project would bring benefit to the people along the line, and would enhance Malaysia's ties with China.

"From the perspective of international cooperation with China, this project will consolidate our relationship with China, which is projected to become world's largest economy when the project is completed," Najib said during the open ceremony of the public inspection period for the project.

He stressed that Malaysia decided to work with China to undertake the project because it believes the country's strong capabilities and advantages in the area.

The planned construction period of ECRL is from July 2017 to June 2024. Travelling the entire length of the main line will be under 4 hours.