Westports 2 aims RM55b economic boost for country
27 Sep 2024
The government is seeking to widen the road at Port Klang to support the Westports 2 expansion, which is expected to contribute RM55 billion to the economy.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the road project is also meant to help reduce traffic accidents in the area.
“I will discuss with the Transport Ministry (MOT) on how we can expedite road widening efforts,” he said during the Westports 2 groundbreaking ceremony today.
Anwar officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Westports 2 Container Terminal Expansion, marking the commencement of development from CT10 to CT17.
This expansion aims to boost the country’s capacity to attract further foreign direct investment (FDI) and strengthen the logistics sector.
“This expansion strengthens Malaysia’s economic standing, improves the standard of living and reaffirms our position as a leading regional economy,” he added.
As of now, there are only nine container terminals in Westports.
Echoing the sentiments, Westports group MD and executive chairman Datuk Ruben Emir Gnanalingam remarked that Westports 2 is more than just an expansion.
It will increase container handling capacity from 14 million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) to 28 million TEU with the development of eight new container terminals.
He also acknowledged the positive impact of increased FDI, driven by government policies, which has boosted trade and led to the construction of facilities like Daiso Industries Co Ltd’s largest global distribution centre near Westports.
“This project is a crucial step in ensuring Malaysia’s future as a global maritime and logistics hub,” he said.
The terminal expansion will focus on sustainability and innovation, incorporating eco-friendly practices to minimise environmental impact while remaining competitive.
Besides the integration of advanced technologies like automated guided vehicles and artificial intelligence (AI) systems, the company is also focusing on renewable energy (RE), with a 30 megawatts (MW) solar power plant under construction in Kedah, expected to operate by 2026 and reduce carbon emissions drastically.
The launch of the Selangor Environmental Conservation and Cultural Alliance (SECCA) further demonstrated Westports’ dedication to environmental conservation and collaboration with the federal and state governments.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Anthony Loke lauded the collaboration between Westports and key regulatory bodies, such as the MOT, Unit Kerjasama Awam Swasta (UKAS) and the Selangor state government.
He elaborated on the strategic importance of Westports in enhancing Malaysia’s trade connectivity and logistics efficiency.
Westports was also recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for having the longest linear berth, measuring 6,585m.
With this expansion, Westports could become one of the world’s top 10 ports, ensuring Malaysia’s continued leadership in global trade.
Source: The Malaysian Reserve
