Page 6 - MMC_PORTS_NEWSLETTER_Q1_2025

6 MMC PORTS’ NEWSLETTER

Harnessing Collaboration:

Embracing Urban Integration

Bolstering Connectivity

Most ports work closely with their cities to ensure efficient avenues in terms of city road or
railway transportation, connectivity, and accessibility, bolstering the port’s productivity and
enhancing its capability to handle ever-increasing demands.

NORTHPORT

Infrastructure projects such as highways, rail networks and
commercial hubs are launched based on the port's needs. As of
writing, two ongoing projects are currently planned to enhance
port-city connectivity, including the East Coast Rail Link
(ECRL) and road upgrades by the Public Works Department
Malaysia (JKR). The ECRL is a 665-km electrified railway link
infrastructure project that connects Kota Bharu to Port Klang,
bridging the East and West Coasts of Peninsular Malaysia
and linking state capitals, major urban centres, industrial
hubs, ports and tourism zones upon its full completion in
December 2027. Meanwhile, the road upgrading work leading
to Northport by JKR aims to enhance road infrastructure and
improve traffic flow along the key access routes to Northport.
The project, which is scheduled for completion by July 2026,
includes upgrading 2 km of Jalan Pelabuhan, which involves
expanding the existing bridge from 2 lanes to 3 lanes and the
dual carriageway from 4 lanes to 6 lanes.

PTP

PTP collaborates with the state and federal government
to enhance transportation infrastructure and connectivity,
focusing on projects like the ongoing improvements to the
Second Link Expressway access roads and potential future rail
links, ensuring seamless cargo movement and reducing traffic
congestion. PTP is also exploring integrated logistics solutions
for better connectivity between the port, industrial areas, and
major economic zones. On this front, Majlis Bandaraya Iskandar
Puteri (MBIP), a state government agency, is currently preparing
a Local Draft Plan of Iskandar Puteri Johor City Council 2035,
with one of the main items being an improvement of logistics
for the entire vicinity.

JOHOR PORT

Due to wear and tear issues over time, the Land Public Transport
Agency (APAD) recently ordered the closure and rehabilitation
of the 40km stretch of railway between Kempas Baru to Pasir
Gudang originally built in 1983. In addition to major repairs to
accomodate the growing demands of heavier and faster freight
trains, the rehabilitation works will also involve the relocation
of squatters encroaching on the railway reserve and the
enhancement of surface water drainage systems to mitigate
flooding. KTM Kargo has continued operations on the track for
Inter-Terminal Transfer between Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Pasir
Gudang and Port Klang, operating under restrictions of four
trips per day. The comprehensive restoration and repair of the
tracks were initially projected to take approximately 24 months
without a full closure, but with the full closure, the project is now
expected to be completed by 1 May 2025.