Kuala Linggi Port to transform Melaka’s economy

The RM 15 billion Kuala Linggi International Port (KLIP) project officially commenced its construction with a groundbreaking ceremony officiated by Datuk Seri Utama Ab. Rauf Bin Yusoh, Chief Minister of Melaka, on January 23rd.

Situated strategically along the Melaka Strait, one of the busiest shipping lanes globally, the port is set to feature comprehensive facilities, including LPG and LNF storage tanks, a shipyard, a heavy industry fabrication yard, a hard-standing cargo handling area, wharfs, and warehousing facilities.

KLIP envisions itself as a Green Global Industrial Hub for Energy Source, Port, and Maritime Services.

Building a green global hub at Kuala Linggi

Strategically positioned on one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, KLIP will feature comprehensive facilities.

The port’s facilities includes LPG and LNF storage tanks, a shipyard, heavy industry fabrication yard, cargo handling area, wharfs, and warehousing facilities.

Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr Noormustafa Kamal Yahya, Executive Chairman of KLIP, emphasised the importance of the groundbreaking ceremony.

He stated, “We are not just building a port; we are constructing a symbol of progress, collaboration, and innovation in the maritime ecosystem. This stimulates economic development and creates opportunities for future generations.”

The development plan encompasses tank storage, shipyard, fabrication yard, cargo handling area, wharfs, and warehousing facilities.

KLIP promises economic boom for Melaka

KLIP’s vision is to transform Kuala Sungai Linggi into a Green Global Industrial Hub, with China Harbour Engineering Co Limited (CHEC) securing a contract worth RM 760 million ($160 million) for the project.

Scheduled for completion in 42 months, KLIP anticipates generating around 10,000 jobs.

Addressing concerns about potential competition from Thai ports’ construction and upgrading, Ab Rauf clarified that KLIP would complement existing ports.

He highlighted KLIP’s role as a service port, not a trading port, strategically located between Penang and Singapore.

Ab Rauf emphasised that KLIP’s location on the main shipping route between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East positions it as a crucial hub for international trade.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Ab Rauf expressed confidence in KLIP’s success, with nearly 120,000 ships passing through the Straits of Melaka annually.

The RM 15 billion project, designed to transform Kuala Linggi into a global green industrial hub, includes storage tanks, shipping berths, fabrication berths, cargo handling area, wharves, and warehouses on a 620-acre island.