By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
PELABUHAN KLANG, Sept 27 — The Federal government will approve funding to improve the existing routes along Port Klang, in line with efforts to expand infrastructure at Malaysia's main port.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will also support development in the surrounding areas to ensure that Port Klang, particularly West Port, secures a place among the world’s top five ports.
"Currently, Westport is ranked 11th, so why not fourth or fifth? I have heard a lot about road issues, but it takes time to fix them.
“I agree to approve funding to repair the existing roads. We will focus on Port Klang first, to assess the area and the costs involved,” he said.
Anwar was speaking at a community engagement event cum groundbreaking ceremony for Westport 2 in Port Klang today, accompanied by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
Speaking in his capacity as Finance Minister, he said that Putrajaya is actively seeking new investment opportunities to boost the economy through international trade, particularly with Russia and China.
“Although we are aware that these countries have their own political interests, we provide our views, but the priority is the people's welfare.
“In addition to strengthening the economy with long-time partners, we are looking for opportunities with new partners. This is our way of finding avenues to open new markets,” Anwar said.
Meanwhile, Westports Malaysia executive chairman Datuk Ruben Emir Gnanalingam Abdullah said that West Port 2 is crucial in securing Malaysia's future as a global maritime and logistics hub.
The new port is expected to generate RM55 billion for the economy and create a new free zone covering 550 acres of land.
“This free zone will attract more foreign direct investments and stimulate regional and global distribution centres.
“Westport 2 will also be developed with automation and digitalisation, which will create more high-skilled jobs for the people,” he said.
