Penang: The Penang International Logistics Aeropark (PILA) project at Penang International Airport commenced in the first quarter of this year, announced Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah. PILA is a phased initiative designed to upgrade and expand the airport's cargo terminal capacity, enhancing services within the air cargo sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hasbi outlined that Phase 1 of the project aims to increase the cargo handling capacity from 0.16 million tonnes to 0.5 million tonnes annually. This will be achieved through the development of a new cargo terminal, alongside the construction of a taxiway and two parking aprons. He made these remarks during a question-and-answer session in Dewan Negara, responding to a query from Senator Susan Chemerai Anding about the ministry's proactive measures to bolster Malaysia's aviation and port infrastructure.
Hasbi emphasized that aligning with the National Transport Policy 2019-2030, which envisions Malaysia as a regional distribution hub, the ministry has engaged with stakeholders, including Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, to devise strategies for industry empowerment. He elaborated that the phased reform plan for the air cargo ecosystem, initiated at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, targets policy and procedural improvements and the digitalization of operational processes. This collaboration, involving multiple stakeholders, has been ongoing since the fourth quarter of 2025.
Addressing the maritime sector, Hasbi mentioned that port authorities, including the Federal Ports Commission, are committed to exploring space and supporting port expansion initiatives. Ongoing and planned projects include the New Deep Water Terminal's Phase 1 by Kuantan Port Authority, launched in 2018, with Phase 2 still in planning. Furthermore, the Johor Port Authority is preparing for Phase 3 development of the Tanjung Pelepas Free Zone, expected to start this year, along with new berth development to achieve 16 million TEUs by 2029.
Hasbi also highlighted the strategic construction of spur lines from main railway lines to ensure direct connectivity between ports and major industrial hubs. Projects include the spur line linking the East Coast Rail Link project to Port Klang and Kuantan Port, as well as extending siding tracks at the North Butterworth Container Terminal.