Plans are underway to convert seven Malaccan ports into specialized hubs for various sectors to spur the state's economic development, reports the Star.
The Malacca Port Development Masterplan is expected to increase investments and economic activity by creating jobs in the manufacturing, tourism and industrial sectors.
Malacca Transport and Project Rehabilitation Committee chairman Datuk Lim Ban Hong said the project under the Malacca Port Development Masterplan entailed upgrading six existing ports besides building the Malacca Gateway Port.
The six existing ports will cater to various industries. Malacca Gateway Port would serve the tourism industry, while the six existing ports, namely Linggi Port would cater for the industrial sector, Sungai Udang Port (military), Tangga Batu Port (oil and gas industry), Tanjung Bruas Port (cargo and containers), Umbai Port (fishing industry), and Sungai Rambai Port (mining and mineral).
"We have studied the advantages of specializing each port according to the sectors chosen under the masterplan in line with our goals to spur the state's economy,” said Datuk.
The development of the ports under the masterplan, spanning over 73 km along the shore of the Straits of Malacca, will enhance the Malacca's waterway system, he said when responding to an oral question from Datuk Ghazale Muhammad (BN-Rim).