UniKL-ASTI A Key Logistics Development Driver In Northern Region – Ahmad Zahid

KANGAR, July 8 (Bernama) -- The proposed University of Kuala Lumpur Asia Sustainable Transportation Institute (UniKL-ASTI) in Lembah Chuping, near Padang Besar, will become a key component in the logistics development ecosystem under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the university campus, to be developed next to the Perlis Inland Port (PIP), will position Perlis as a new strategic logistics hub in the northern region of the country.

The campus will offer various high-impact Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) diploma and degree programmes such as heavy vehicle maintenance technology, lifting equipment management, and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) technology.

“I see the establishment of UniKL-ASTI as a highly meaningful and strategic move not only for Perlis, but also for the national education and logistics landscape as a whole.

“I am confident that this industry-oriented approach will not only produce competent TVET graduates ready to enter the job market, but also directly contribute to the economic growth of the state and the nation,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said this in his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for the UniKL-ASTI project held at Dewan Warisan here today, which was officiated by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail.

The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, graced the event. Also present were Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli and Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the university campus, to be developed on a 60-acre site, would serve as a key catalyst in strengthening higher technical education focused on sustainable transportation and logistics.

He believes the establishment of the university reflects the MADANI Government’s strong commitment — through Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) — to reinforcing the National TVET Agenda, while also expanding access to high-impact education for rural communities and positioning Perlis as a progressive and competitive state in the regional transportation and logistics sector.

“In addition, this new infrastructure will spur the implementation of the PIP mega project, which is expected to be a key driver of cross-border cargo movement between Malaysia and Thailand, with trade value projected to reach USD30 billion (RM132 billion) by 2027,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said the UniKL-ASTI project is now in the final design phase, with physical construction to begin following today’s groundbreaking ceremony. The project is scheduled for completion by June 25, 2028.

“This project will be carried out using the design-and-build method, with the Public Works Department as the implementing agency, while MARA, under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), will act as the client agency.

“We at KKDW hope that the project will be handed over to MARA on time, within budget, and according to an efficient design. Insya-Allah, with the cooperation of all parties, this project will provide great added value to the development of Perlis,” he said.

-- BERNAMA