PTP To Invest Over RM8.6b To Expand Capacity

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) will invest more than RM8.6 billion to expand the port's capacity over the next five to 15 years.

Chairman Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said the immediate plan was to embark on a comprehensive upgrading, refurbishment of quay cranes and rubber tyred gantries.

It will also replace PTP's existing equipment to increase the handling capacity from the current 10.5 million 20ft equivalent (TEUs) to 13.2 million TEUs, annually.

"This will be followed by the development of Phase 3 which is expected to take place in 2018. Phase 3A and 3B, which consist of six new berths of three kilometres in length, will enable us to increase our handling capacity to 22.2 million TEUs before 2030," he said at the "Tijarah Ramadhan" programme organised by PTP is Iskandar Puteri, Johor, on Tuesday night.

Che Khalib said the expansion would ensure that PTP remained competitive in the market and ultimately emerge as the most preferred transhipment port in Asia.

At present, the country's biggest single port operator is operating with 14 berths measuring five kilometres of quay length.

Present at the event were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled, who spent an hour touring the port's operation, and Johor Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad.

Mohamed Khaled said PTP's latest expansion plan reflected the highest level of confidence by the port operator to position itself as the preferred port of choice in the region.

"We anticipate the expansion to create more job opportunities for the locals, thus further positioning Johor as a regional economic power and not just a part of the Malaysian economy," he added.

Later at the event, the menteri besar presented some RM30, 000 worth of financial and essential aid to 150 less fortunate, single mothers, orphans and five mosques in Gelang Patah. – Bernama