Liow: Govt to boost transport infrastructure

PUTRAJAYA: The Government will focus on efficient use of ports, airports and railways to help spur greater economic growth for the country, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He said ensuring smooth and where possible, seamless transfer of goods, would increase higher demand for Malaysia’s infrastructure.

“By ensuring this, we hope to see continuous growth in trade and more keen investors,” he said when met after the Cabinet meeting.

Liow said most of the country’s infrastructure was well utilised, especially Port Klang, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA2.

He said KLIA was built for 25 million travellers but was handling about 28 million annually, while KLIA2 had a capacity of 45 million but was already handling 30 million yearly.

“There are expansion plans and to create more slots so that we can attract new airlines to fly here. We will continue to push and deliver more infrastructure projects,” said Liow.

He said a go-ahead had already been given for the expansion of Westport to accommodate 10 additional berths.

“Whatever that is in the pipeline is all meant to further boost the economy and for the people to enjoy the effects of a strong, robust and resilient economy,” he said.

On another matter, Liow, who is also MCA president, said the Government had agreed to provide a special allocation of RM560,000 to help rebuild 14 houses in Kapar, Klang, which were destroyed in a fire recently.

“I raised the matter at the Cabinet meeting and the Government has agreed to help the affected families by allocating RM40,000 to rebuild each house,” he said.

Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar and MCA will co-ordinate the rebuilding effort.

A fire at Bagan Hailam fishing village ruined the Chinese New Year celebration for 70 people on Feb 19.