Kuala lumpur: Construction of the diversion alignment for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project into the operational area of Kuantan Port is expected to be completed by the end of this year, the Dewan Negara was told today. Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah stated the implementation of the alignment is anticipated to strengthen the national land logistics network, particularly on the East Coast.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hasbi mentioned that this step will also increase cargo handling capacity at Kuantan Port during the oral question-and-answer session. He was responding to a query from Senator Datuk Leong Ngah Ngah about further plans for the Kuantan Port upgrade, now into the second phase of planning.

The overall progress of the 665-kilometre ECRL project stood at 91.7 percent as of January, aligning with the schedule for completion of the alignment from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, to the Gombak Integrated Terminal in Selangor by the end of this year. Hasbi noted that the second phase of the upgrading project includes the development of about one kilometre of wharf for additional container cargo handling and a container storage yard covering nearly 50 hectares.

At present, Kuantan Port is focusing more on strengthening cargo and container operations in line with its role as the main trading hub on the East Coast. The development of phase one, which began in April 2013, had been completed and commenced operations in August 2018 for the handling of dry bulk cargo.

Hasbi also indicated that the Transport Ministry is exploring the potential of developing the port as a cruise homeport in its long-term planning. He stated this move aligns with the ministry's aspiration to enhance the development of the country's maritime tourism industry.