ALOR STAR: Details of the proposed Sanglang port will be finalised next month, says Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Speaking at the Kedah State Legislative Assembly, Sanusi said the company behind the proposed project was refining its proposal, including determining the most suitable location and identifying areas for downstream activities.
"The company has submitted its proposal to the Transport Ministry, which is currently being improved based on feedback received from the ministry.
"Meanwhile, the Kedah State Economic Planning Division has conducted a series of discussions and technical meetings to assess the suitability of the proposed site and development framework.
"A final decision is expected by the end of 2024," he said in response to a question from Mohd Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir (PN-Kota Siputeh) on the project's status.
Sanusi said the private sector project will feature a cargo landbridge connecting the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
"The project is expected to benefit both Malaysia (Sanglang) and Thailand (Songkhla) as it connects these key locations.
"Additionally, the proposed port will act as a feeder port to complement the current capacity needs of Penang Port.
"Sanglang Port is also envisioned as a hub for new energy sources, focusing on ammonia and hydrogen," he said, adding that the project is one of the state's priority initiatives.
He said he hopes the project, which is expected to create jobs and contribute to Kedah's economy, will be supported by Putrajaya.
Sanusi said the state government will ensure the wellbeing of residents affected by the project is taken care of.
In 2022, then-prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government was studying a proposal to build a port in Sanglang, Kubang Pasu, to handle cargo shipments.