KUANTAN, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- 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.
“This transport network will attract more investors to Pahang as we are focusing on infrastructure development to provide better facilities, convenience and comfort for investors,” he told reporters after officiating the opening ceremony at the Kuantan Port Toll Plaza here today.
Wan Rosdy said the infrastructure development was timely, given plans to expand Kuantan Port and develop the Aerospace City project in Gebeng, which is located near the area.
He said the state government also planned to carry out simultaneous development involving about 10,000 hectares, including commercial and housing projects, without having to wait for individual projects to be fully completed.
“We know that good infrastructure is a key requirement for attracting investment. Apart from utilities such as water and electricity, investors also need good road access,” he said.
Meanwhile, Works Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said the RM400 million Kuantan Port Interchange project was developed through five main packages, with toll collection at the Kuantan Port Toll Plaza set to begin at 6am tomorrow.
He said the toll rates for LPT1 and LPT2 remained lower at 9.8 sen per kilometre compared with 11.4 sen per kilometre for other highways, while maintaining the same highway quality.
On road safety, Ahmad said the Works Ministry (KKR) had requested additional allocations under Budget 2027 from the Finance Ministry to improve lighting at accident-prone locations.
He said data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) showed that about 80 per cent of accidents were caused by user negligence, 13 per cent by road conditions and seven per cent by vehicle conditions.
“Eighty per cent of cases are still caused by negligence. Therefore, the government’s responsibility is to ensure the 13 per cent factor, particularly road conditions, receives due attention,” he said.
-- BERNAMA