KUANTAN: The decision by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government to continue with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will not only improve the transportation system in Pahang, but boost activities at the Kuantan Port here.
Pahang chapter of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce chairman Datuk Andy Chiew Yoke Theng said the ECRL alignment, which will connect Kuantan Port and Port Klang in Selangor, will boost cargo transportation at both ports.
He pointed out that Kuantan Port is already in a good position, having been upgraded to a deep-sea terminal and a free trade zone, and not far from the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) in Gebeng.
In addition to the steel manufacturing company, Alliance Steel (M) Sdn Bhd, he said a tyre company is also keen to invest there.
“Hence, the decision to continue the ECRL project will attract more investors to MCKIP, as it will have access to good land and sea transport, apart from the cheaper cost of rail transport,” he told Bernama when contacted here, today.
The ECRL project was initially suspended following a change in government after it was found to be costly. However, on April 12, the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) confirmed that the project would continue with a new route alignment and at a cheaper cost.
Besides attracting more investors, Chiew said that the ECRL project, once completed, will boost Kuantan’s image, especially Kota SAS, which will be turned into the state’s administrative centre.
“One step towards becoming a developed state is by having an effective transport system. Pahang already has its own airport and sea port, so the railway will complement the transport network,” he said.
Chiew said it would also bring economic spill-over to other sectors, such as tourism, which would provide business opportunities for local residents.
Meanwhile, businessman Yusri Yusof said the government’s assurance that more opportunities will be given to locals in the implementation of the ECRL should be optimised by contractors, especially Bumiputera, who will acquire new experiences and knowledge.
Yusri, who is Pahang Malay Chamber of Commerce president, said G3 class contractors, comprising those eligible for projects of not more than RM1 million in value and those in the G7 class (RM10 million and above) should register as ECRL contractors or suppliers if they are keen to participate in the project’s implementation.
However, the most important thing is for them to prepare themselves with knowledge and capital, he added.-Bernama
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