The partnership will focus on human capital development through the exchange of technical expertise to address industry challenges and advance operational capabilities

KUANTAN Port Consortium Sdn Bhd, North port (M) Bhd and Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalise collaborative efforts to ensure the realisation of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) land bridge connecting Kuantan Port to Port Klang.

This will enhance connectivity, seamless integration, efficiency and streamlined transfer of goods between the two ports.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke witnessed the MoU signing between Kuantan Port chairman Lee Chun Fai, Northport CEO Datuk Azman Shah Mohd Yusof, and MRL CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak.

The MoU signing ceremony was held during the Kuantan Port International Conference 2024, in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of Kuantan Port held at the Sultan Ahmad Shah International Convention Centre in Kuantan.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive collaboration among all parties to strengthen strategic partnerships across several key areas.

The collaboration includes the development of a strategic plan for establishing a seamlessly integrated land bridge connecting rail and port operations, which will facilitate efficient cargo movement between the two ports leveraging on the ECRL and reducing transit times.

It will also capitalise on the trade opportunities derived from the Belt and Road Initiative as well as the Halal Silk Route to bolster trade and investment links throughout Asia.

The partnership also focuses on human capital development through the exchange of technical expertise to address industry challenges and advance operational capabilities.

The Northport International Centre of Excellence, a training centre accredited by Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran and Human Resource Development Corp, will be utilised to provide comprehensive training programmes, enhancing skills and competencies across both ports.

Lee said this MoU represents a transformative step in enhancing Malaysia’s logistics and trade infrastructure.

“By seamlessly integrating Kuantan Port with Port Klang through the ECRL, we are not only improving the efficiency of cargo movement but also positioning the East Coast as a vital logistics hub.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to driving economic growth in the East Coast Economic Region, attracting further investments, and strengthening the connectivity between the East and West Coasts, and their hinterlands,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Azman said as a port operator, Northport is highly committed to facilitating the government’s strategic plan to enhance efficiency and connectivity between the East Coast and West Coast, connecting the dots between the respective economic growth areas.

“With our competitive advantage, this MoU will further elevate Northport as the Regional Distribution Hub of choice and strengthen our position as a key gateway port.

“The direct connection of ECRL to Port Klang will enable Northport to scale up our multimodal operations, benefitting from the transit-oriented development of new industrial parks along alignment of ECRL’s cargo route,” he said.

By leveraging the strengths and resources of all parties involved, Northport aims to ensure faster cargo movement across the country, he added.

On the other hand, Darwis said the signing of the tripartite MoU signals the commitment to realise the ECRL land bridge that will enhance connectivity and logistics efficiency between the East and West Coasts of Peninsular Malaysia.

He said MRL and Kuantan Port and Northport will develop a comprehensive plan involving infrastructure requirements, operational procedures and timelines that will optimise the usage of the ECRL land bridge.

This includes coordinating efforts between the parties to ensure a smooth integration of rail and port operations as well as cargo movement between Kuantan Port and Northport.

“The ECRL land bridge’s port-to-port connectivity will also complement easier access to East-West trade flows as it has a direct connection between Kuantan Port which faces the South China Sea and Northport along the Straits of Malacca.

“The ECRL land bridge is poised to slash cargo vessel travel time by up to 2.5 days along the busiest maritime routes,” he added.

ECRL, administered and implemented by MRL, is a 665-km electrified railway link infrastructure project that connects Kota Bharu in Kelantan to Port Klang in Selangor, bridging the East Coast and West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

This project aims to link state capitals, major urban centres, industrial hubs, ports, airports and tourism zones while interchanging with existing railway lines.

The project, scheduled for full completion in December 2027, is designed to enhance transportation connectivity, facilitate economic development, and promote trade and tourism along the East Coast region.

Primarily a cargo route, the ECRL focuses on optimising rail use with 70% capacity for freight and 30% for passengers, emphasising industrial parks, logistics hubs and transitoriented developments.

Lee said this strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s logistics and transportation landscape.

Leveraging the strengths of Kuantan Port, Northport and MRL will not only connect two ports, but bridge economies and open new avenues for growth.

“This partnership will enhance our competitive edge in the region, drive operational excellence, and contribute significantly to Malaysia’s position as a key logistics hub in South-East Asia.

“We are excited about the opportunities this brings and are committed to delivering value to our stakeholders and the nation as a whole,” he said. — TMR

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• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition