East Coast Economic Region : TRANSPORT : Overview

TRANSPORT • INFRASTRUCTURE • REAL ESTATE • ENVIRONMENT

		Overview

		Strategies

		Key Projects

		Benefits

Overview

The transport sector is critical in the overall development of the ECER as better linkage and accessibility will improve the Region’s economic competitiveness and the quality of life for its residents.

The National Development Policy has outlined the main national policy thrusts for the transport sector :

To enhance accessibility and provide quality infrastructure in rural areas to reduce the urban-rural development gap;
To provide efficient and reliable services to ensure optimal utilisation of infrastructure as well as improve the safety and comfort of users; and
To make public transport the preferred mode of travel, particularly in urban areas, by promoting seamless integration of various transport modes.

In the ECER, there will be several key initiatives in the road sub-sector as the road sub-sector serves as a prime mover for the population and goods. Some are being planned while others are already in implementation stage. Key benefits include:

Enhancing capacity of existing road networks to improve safety and reduce travelling time
Better accessibility from rural areas to key regional town centres will enhance economic opportunity
Improved inter-modal transport connectivity in the region will spur development and encourage investors

Other transportation sub-sectors are:

Air
Establishment of Kuala Terengganu Airport to international status and upgrading of Kota Bharu and Kuantan airports to regional airports.
Maritime
Upgrades and specialisation are being planned for current ports in the ECER.
Railway
Feasibility studies will be carried out to upgrade current railway connections and improve train services in the Region.