By Amar Shah Mohsen
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 – The construction of a cargo port at Pulau Carey in Klang, once completed, will pave the way for Malaysia to become one of the world’s leading players in the port industry, said Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
Chiefly, the Gombak MP said its development would lead to the expansion of the country’s all-important services sector.
To that end, Amirudin said it is incumbent on all lawmakers from across the political divide to back the initiative and ensure its successful implementation.
“The Pulau Carey port, and the existing Northport and Westport in Klang, will be as large as Singapore in terms of square footage,” he said at the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) Mid-Term Review in the Dewan Rakyat, here, today.
“I believe this will improve our capacity and ability in the port industry and make us a leading global player.”
The Pakatan Harapan lawmaker said this while expressing his gratitude to the federal government for its commitment to developing the Pulau Carey port.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the tabling of the 12MP Mid-Term Review on Monday, had said the port’s construction will be among the government’s key transportation and logistics development projects, subsequently positioning Port Klang as a key regional shipping hub.
Another major project in Selangor that will get federal attention is the regeneration of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SAAS) in Subang.
On a separate matter, Amirudin hopes the Federal government would take a page from the First Selangor Plan when drafting future policies, particularly in relation to the development of infrastructural projects.
He suggested such projects should not only be developed and financed solely by Putrajaya, but should also incorporate private involvement.
“This is so that major projects like the constructions of ports or highways can be jointly developed, not by way of privatisation, but through cooperation.
“For instance, the government can plan a new city, industrial zone or village, but get the private sector involved. Funds can also be shared by both parties,” he said.
