Kuantan: A top official of a global real estate consultancy envisages Kuantan Port to emerge as a key logistics and trade hub for Malaysia, leveraging its strategic location and connectivity via the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Knight Frank Malaysia group executive chairman Sarkunan Subramaniam said that the port can be a strategic gateway linking the largely underdeveloped East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia to global markets. He emphasized the importance of the 665-kilometre ECRL, which acts as a crucial land bridge spanning from Kota Bharu to Port Klang. This overland corridor positions Kuantan Port as a major entry and redistribution point for cargo bound for the West Coast.

Sarkunan highlighted the significance of the ECRL as a land bridge that allows goods delivered at Kuantan Port to be transported to Port Klang for re-export. He stated that this connectivity enhances Kuantan’s value in the national logistics network, transforming it from a regional port to a pivotal player in Malaysia’s trade infrastructure.

When asked about the possibility of extending the ECRL to the Thai border, Sarkunan noted that such a proposal requires a detailed feasibility study, focusing on potential economic impact and technical compatibility. He underscored that while the ECRL supports both passengers and freight, any extension into Thailand should be assessed for its potential economic benefits, particularly for cargo, as passenger transport is already supported through other land links.