The Malaysian government has confirmed it is going ahead with the plan to build a RM28 billion (S$8.5 billion) port to significantly boost the handling capacity for both container and conventional cargo at the main shipping hub of Port Klang.
The new port planned for Carey Island is targeted at the future growth of international trade, with an eye on rival regional ports that are in the midst of expansion, including those in Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
More details were revealed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke in March after the project was revisited by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in February. The project had been shelved in 2017 due to weak cargo demand in Port Klang.
“To support the growth of international trade, the government supports the proposal to develop a new mega port in Carey Island by the private sector.
The project is expected to bolster Port Klang as a major shipping hub for the Asia-Pacific region,” said Anwar in February.
Captain K. Subramaniam, general manager of the Port Klang Authority, told The Straits Times that the additional capacity is also needed to meet rising demand within Malaysia, including the expanding industrial hubs in Selangor and neighbouring states.
Source: The Nation
