Govt To Improve Rail Infrastructure To Reduce Cargo On The Road

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The government will implement several improvements to the country's rail infrastructure to shift freight (cargo) transportation from roads to rails.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that currently only one per cent of freight in Malaysia is transported using the rail transport mode and the government is targeting at least 10 per cent to be transported via rail with the improvements implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

He said the initiative was implemented to address traffic congestion, reduce the rate of accidents involving heavy vehicles, as well as support the country's environmental sustainability agenda.

"This initiative aims to create a more efficient, safe and sustainable logistics ecosystem... Apart from reducing congestion on major highways, this initiative also makes the cost of doing business for logistics industry players more competitive through the available options.

"Rail transport has also proven to be more environmentally friendly with a lower carbon footprint compared to road transport," he said at a press conference after chairing the National Logistics Task Force meeting here today.

To realise the initiative, Loke said that among the projects that will be implemented include the extension of the side track at the North Butterworth Container Terminal, upgrading the Pasir Mas-Rantau Panjang track, as well as the Padang Besar depot.

First and last mile connectivity will also be strengthened to ensure the smooth transportation of freight from the train station to the final destination.

"Among these are increasing the number of locomotives and wagons through the leasing model, developing a new cargo hub terminal, and building spur line connections to strategic areas to accommodate the needs of the logistics sector," said Loke, adding the initiative has received support from transport associations.

Meanwhile, Loke said his party, together with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), would set up a special working group to realign policies and implement actions to make the International Airport (KLIA) a regional air cargo and loading hub.

He said the group would address several weaknesses identified as the cause of the relatively slow customs inspection process and low air cargo capacity at KLIA, which made industry players prefer to conduct business at Changi International Airport, Singapore.

"KLIA is quite big but why do we only handle one-third of Changi's total cargo?

"We have identified several weaknesses in terms of regulations, our custom clearance is slower than in Singapore, making the time taken for loading and unloading cargo also longer," he said.

-- BERNAMA