Consider Tanjung Malim-Lumut rail link instead, govt told

 

The proposed Tanjung Malim-Lumut highway is intended to facilitate the transport of goods from the planned Lumut maritime industrial city. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: A transport consultant has suggested that the government consider connecting Tanjung Malim and Lumut by rail, instead of building a new highway.

Rosli Khan said a highway would facilitate road transport, but a rail network will be able to handle the growing demand for efficient and large-scale logistics services.

He said rail travel offered advantages such as quicker journeys, lower costs per kilometre and the capacity to handle greater volumes of goods and passengers.

“A rail network can enhance connectivity by supporting the movement of both goods and passengers, which is essential for boosting tourism opportunities, creating jobs and promoting overall regional growth.

“Trains can connect Tanjung Malim to places like Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Johor Bahru and Singapore in the south, and Ipoh, Butterworth, Padang Besar and Thailand in the north,” he told FMT.

In April, Perak menteri besar Saarani Mohamad said a new highway was needed to support exports originating from the planned Lumut maritime industrial city (Lumic) and the automotive hi-tech valley (AHTV) project in Tanjung Malim.

Lumic, a planned integrated maritime industrial cluster, is expected to attract RM72 billion in investment over the next 25 years. Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International intend to carry out an initial feasibility study to evaluate the prospects of the port and its maritime sector, and its attractiveness for investment and connectivity between Europe and Asia.

The AHTV is a RM40 billion joint venture between car manufacturer Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd, owner of Proton, and DRB-Hicom with a view to turning Tanjong Malim into a global automotive hub.

Meanwhile, another transport consultant, Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, said the state government should designate the new highway as a dedicated freight relief line – a transport route designed specifically for the movement of cargo – to meet its logistical demands effectively.

Wan Agyl, a former official of the now-defunct land public transport commission, said a dedicated freight relief line would enhance traffic flow and connectivity.

He said it would help divert heavy freight traffic from congested routes.

“A dedicated freight relief line (would) effectively address logistical challenges, particularly by alleviating congestion at Port Klang and providing an alternative route for the movement of freight,” he said.

“This will enhance the efficiency of export logistics, particularly benefiting Lumic and the AHTV project.”

The increased efficiency would come in the form of reduced transit times, improved supply chain reliability and cost savings for businesses involved in exports and imports, he said. - FMT