MELAKA: The completion of the proposed extension of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) would boost the growth of the state, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Jusoh.
The Melaka Chief Minister said that the government's move to prioritise the completion of the project through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) was timely.
The proposed extension - from Banting, Selangor to Gelang Patah, Johor, going through Melaka - would open up another artery into the state and boost the economy.
"The highway can help alleviate congestion on the North-South Expressway, especially during festive seasons or weekends," he said.
The highway project was first proposed by the then-late works minister Tun S. Samy Vellu in 1997.
Ab Rauf said other projects benefitting Melaka included the three specific projects - a multi-level U-turn and a direct U-turn from the Pulau Gadong intersection to the Taman Cheng Perdana intersection was timely to address traffic congestion.
"The other two projects are the construction of the Melaka Sentral wet market and a new police station in Tanjung Minyak. I am confident these allocations would strengthen the economic growth of the state," he said on Oct 18.
Ab Rauf said that Budget 2025 also empowers local councils to spearhead projects for the benefit of the people.
"Budget 2025 also elevates our efforts on tourism promotion, provides support to farmers and fishermen, and upgrades facilities for street vendors and small traders.
