Port Dickson: Relevant parties, including the state governments, have been urged to take more proactive steps in implementing development projects to enhance socio-economic growth and attract investment.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) director-general Datuk Dr Alias Rameli emphasized the need for state governments to lead efforts in projects like the container port in Port Dickson and the southern stretches of the West Coast Expressway (WCE), involving Banting in Selangor, as well as Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor.

Dr Alias highlighted the importance of infrastructure in attracting investors, citing discussions with Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to revive the WCE. He noted the lengthy travel time from the North-South Expressway to Melaka City, which involves navigating over 20 traffic lights, and pointed out similar challenges in Negeri Sembilan due to inadequate road networks.

In conjunction with the WCE development, Dr Alias advocated for the revival of the High-Speed Rail (HSR) project in the affected states to alleviate highway congestion. He acknowledged the potential costs but stressed the long-term benefits for states like Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Kuala Lumpur.

Dr Alias concluded by stating that these initiatives are part of the draft structural plan document, calling for the country to adopt a long-term perspective with strategic policies on socio-economic and land use planning.