Yan, Kedah gazetted as a federal port

PETALING JAYA: Kedah stands to see increased economic development after Yan, Kedah's gazettement as a federal port, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).

"Developing Yan as a port is expected to enhance shipping activities in the area by creating new employment opportunities for locals and developing the surrounding areas.

"These proposed developments will support the shipping industry and promote tourism, which will further catalyse Kedah's economic viability," the Transport Minister said in a statement on Tuesday (May 18).

Dr Wee said the area was gazetted for the purpose on May 10, which saw about 600 sq km, accounting for a distance of 20 nautical miles from the Yan coastline, declared as part of the federal port under Section 5 and 6 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.

He noted that the gazettement of Yan Port is in line with Budget 2021 passed last November to allocate RM780mil to develop five federal economic development corridors for ongoing projects this year.

"This allocation includes the building of infrastructure and project components to Special Development Zones in Yan and Baling, Kedah under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER).

"Development in these areas is expected to benefit the people and support the overall national growth momentum," he added.

Dr Wee said that the declaration by the ministry to create the nation's latest federal port in the north of the peninsula will also complement plans by the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) to spur the development and shipping activities in the area of Pulau Bunting, Yan, Kedah.

He added that the port would come under the jurisdiction of the Marine Department, which will oversee matters related to shipping, maritime safety and maritime shipping traffic safety.

This, he said, will ensure that the country's waters are well organised without any hindrances to legitimate businesses.