Kuala lumpur: The opening of the Kuantan Port Interchange on the East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT2) is expected to strengthen the transport network and enhance Pahang's appeal as an investment destination, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail. He said the facility would improve access to Kuantan Port and Terengganu, shorten travel time and provide greater convenience for investors and road users from both states.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wan Rosdy emphasized that the transport network would attract more investors to Pahang by focusing on infrastructure development to provide better facilities, convenience, and comfort for investors. He mentioned this while speaking to reporters after officiating the opening ceremony at the Kuantan Port Toll Plaza. The infrastructure development aligns with plans to expand Kuantan Port and the Aerospace City project in Gebeng, which is located nearby.
Wan Rosdy also highlighted the state government's plans to undertake simultaneous development over approximately 10,000 hectares, which includes commercial and housing projects. This strategy aims to prevent delays by not waiting for individual projects to be fully completed before starting new ones. He reiterated the importance of good infrastructure, noting that besides utilities like water and electricity, investors require reliable road access.
Meanwhile, Works Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan provided details about the RM400 million Kuantan Port Interchange project, which was developed through five main packages. Toll collection at the Kuantan Port Toll Plaza is set to begin at 6 am tomorrow, with toll rates for LPT1 and LPT2 remaining competitive at 9.8 sen per kilometre compared to 11.4 sen per kilometre for other highways, while maintaining high quality.
On road safety, Ahmad mentioned that the Works Ministry (KKR) had requested additional allocations under Budget 2027 from the Finance Ministry to enhance lighting at accident-prone locations. Data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) indicates that about 80 percent of accidents result from user negligence, 13 percent from road conditions, and seven percent from vehicle conditions. Ahmad stressed the government's responsibility to address the road conditions factor, which accounts for 13 percent of accidents.