New stretch of West Coast Expressway opening, toll-free until Jan 2, 2024

KUALA SELANGOR: The West Coast Expressway (WCE) stretch from the Bandar Bukit Raja Utara to Assam Java elevated junction will open to motorists at midnight Tuesday (Nov 21).

Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said there would be no toll charged from midnight Tuesday until 11.59pm on Jan 2, 2024 to those entering the 21.8km-long Route 6 from Bandar Bukit Raja Utara to Assam Java toll plazas and vice-versa.

"Users entering WCE from Section 5, which is from Bandar Bukit Raja Selatan toll to the Assam Java toll plaza or vice-versa, will be charged the existing toll rate according to vehicle class," he said after officiating the opening of the stretch here on Monday (Nov 20).

Nanta said the new stretch will reduce travel time from Kapar in Klang to Assam Java in Ijok, taking only 15 minutes compared to the previous 45 minutes via the existing route.

"The opening of Section 6 will also have a positive impact on local tourism. There will be easier access to interesting destinations like the Batu Arang Heritage Township, Bukit Malawati, Sky Mirror, and Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park for example," he said.

Nanta added that the new route could create new opportunities for local businesses as well as stimulate the socio-economic growth of the community.

Four sections of the West Coast Expressway were previously opened in 2019, involving three sections in Perak, namely Section 8 (Hutan Melintang-Teluk Intan), Section 9 (Lekir-Changkat Chermin) and Section 10 (Changkat Chermin-Beruas), as well as Section 5 (Bandar Bukit Raja Selatan-Bandar Bukit Raja Utara) in Selangor. – Bernama