Johor bahru: Details of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) project, aimed at reducing congestion on the North-South Expressway (PLUS), are being finalised for submission to the federal government in April, Johor Executive Council member Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said. The State Public Works, Transportation, Infrastructure, and Communications Committee chairman mentioned that the details would help determine the project's timeline and procurement process.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project's feasibility study was completed last December through engagement between the Works Ministry and the state government. 'Insya-Allah, if there are no issues, the southern section of the WCE will be completed within 48 months once the necessary processes are finalised,' Mohamad Fazli stated in a Facebook post.

He further explained that the state government had proposed 13 interchanges along the 153.3-kilometre project to help boost the local economy. 'If we go based on priority, we suggest building seven interchanges first, including Sungai Terap (Muar), Parit Sulong (Batu Pahat), and Pekan Nenas (Pontian),' he added.

Mohamad Fazli highlighted that the highway, which would connect Banting, Selangor, via Negeri Sembilan and Melaka to the Second Link Highway in Gelang Patah, would offer motorists a more efficient alternative. The highway is expected to expand access to Johor's west coast and help divert about 27 per cent of traffic, approximately 35,000 vehicles a day, that enter and exit the PLUS Highway, particularly during festive seasons and school holidays.