KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30: The Ministry of Transport said it will continue to remain committed to strengthening its road-to-rail modal shift initiative as a core agenda for transforming the nation’s transport and logistics sector.
In a statement issued following the National Logistics Task Force Meeting today, the ministry said the initiative is aimed at shifting freight transport by optimizing existing rail infrastructure to address traffic congestion, reduce the accident involving heavy vehicles, and support the national environmental sustainability agenda.
The shift to rail transport offers numerous benefits to the economy and the public. In addition to reducing congestion on major highways, this initiative makes the cost of doing business more competitive for logistics industry players by offering more options to them.
Rail transport has also proven to be more environmentally friendly, with a lower carbon footprint compared to road transport. This initiative aims to create a logistics ecosystem that is more efficient, safe and sustainable, the statement said.
To ensure this aspiration is achieved, the government will upgrade existing infrastructure under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan. These include extending the siding track at the North Butterworth Container Terminal, upgrading the Pasir Mas – Rantau Panjang track and upgrading the Padang Besar depot.
Improving the first and last-mile connectivity to ensure a seamless freight transport process from rail stations to their final destinations will also continue, the ministry said, adding these will include increasing the number of locomotives and wagons through a leasing model, developing new cargo hub terminals, and constructing spur line connections to strategic areas to accommodate the needs of the logistics sector.
The ministry said it will be also cooperating with various government agencies and industries towards achieving enhanced air cargo services.
In collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), it expects to establish a Special Working Group (SWG), which will be responsible for coordinating the realignment of policies and implementing an action plan to establish the KL International Airport (KLIA) as a regional air cargo services hub and transshipment hub.
This will be in line with the planning for the logistics sector as outlined in the National Transport Policy 2019-2030 and will strengthen existing collaborations under the Air Silk Road and the oneworld alliance, it added.
–WE