Government targets 10% freight via rail under 13th Malaysia Plan to reduce road congestion and support environmental sustainability.

PUTRAJAYA: The government will implement several improvements to the country’s rail infrastructure to shift freight transportation from roads to rails.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that currently only one per cent of freight in Malaysia is transported using the rail transport mode.

He stated the government is targeting at least 10 per cent to be transported via rail with the improvements implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

This initiative was implemented to address traffic congestion and reduce the rate of accidents involving heavy vehicles.

It also supports the country’s environmental sustainability agenda according to the minister.

“This initiative aims to create a more efficient, safe and sustainable logistics ecosystem,” he said at a press conference after chairing the National Logistics Task Force meeting.

Loke added that apart from reducing congestion on major highways, this initiative also makes the cost of doing business for logistics industry players more competitive through the available options.

“Rail transport has also proven to be more environmentally friendly with a lower carbon footprint compared to road transport,” he explained.

To realise the initiative, Loke said that among the projects that will be implemented include the extension of the side track at the North Butterworth Container Terminal.

Other projects include upgrading the Pasir Mas-Rantau Panjang track and developing the Padang Besar depot.

First and last mile connectivity will also be strengthened to ensure the smooth transportation of freight from the train station to the final destination.

“Among these are increasing the number of locomotives and wagons through the leasing model,” said Loke.

He also mentioned developing a new cargo hub terminal and building spur line connections to strategic areas to accommodate the needs of the logistics sector.

Loke added that the initiative has received support from transport associations.

Meanwhile, Loke said his party, together with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, would set up a special working group to realign policies and implement actions to make KLIA a regional air cargo and loading hub.

He said the group would address several weaknesses identified as the cause of the relatively slow customs inspection process and low air cargo capacity at KLIA.

These issues made industry players prefer to conduct business at Changi International Airport, Singapore according to the minister.

“KLIA is quite big but why do we only handle one-third of Changi’s total cargo?” he questioned.

“We have identified several weaknesses in terms of regulations, our custom clearance is slower than in Singapore, making the time taken for loading and unloading cargo also longer,” he explained. – Bernama

 The Sun Malaysia