Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir said Malaysia will be "impoverished" if the government proceeds with the East Coast Railway Link project. While not confirming that the project has been scrapped, Dr Mahathir said paying compensation is cheaper than bearing the cost of the project. Speaking at the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Plan on Friday, Dr Mahathir also said the status of the project will be announced by the Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.