The East Coast Rail Link diversion into Kuantan Port is on track for completion by year-end, enhancing cargo capacity and land logistics on the East Coast.

KUALA LUMPUR: Construction of the diversion alignment for the East Coast Rail Link into Kuantan Port’s operational area is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said this step will strengthen the national land logistics network, particularly on the East Coast.

He added that it will also increase cargo handling capacity at Kuantan Port.

Hasbi was responding to a question from Senator Datuk Leong Ngah Ngah regarding further plans for the port’s upgrade, now in its second phase of planning.

The overall progress of the 665-kilometre ECRL project stood at 91.7% as of January.

This aligns with the schedule to complete the alignment from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, to the Gombak Integrated Terminal in Selangor by year-end.

Hasbi said the port’s second phase includes developing about one kilometre of wharf for additional container handling.

It also involves a container storage yard covering nearly 50 hectares.

“At present, Kuantan Port is focusing more on strengthening cargo and container operations in line with its role as the main trading hub on the East Coast,” he said.

The development of phase one, which began in April 2013, was completed and commenced operations in August 2018 for dry bulk cargo.

Hasbi also said the Transport Ministry is looking at developing the port as a cruise homeport in its long-term planning.

He said the move aligns with the ministry’s aspiration to help strengthen the country’s maritime tourism industry.

 The Sun Malaysia