ALOR SETAR, Nov 2 — The new Kuala Kedah Jetty terminal, expected to be completed by the end of 2027, will be able to accommodate up to 3,000 passengers, compared with the current capacity of about 800, significantly enhancing maritime transport facilities in the area.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the RM245 million project to demolish, rebuild and upgrade the Kuala Kedah passenger, cargo and roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry terminal and jetty began in 2024.
“The project represents a strategic government investment in strengthening maritime connectivity and stimulating economic activities in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, particularly Kedah.
“The terminal is also designed to accommodate three large passenger vessels at a time, thereby improving the flow of passengers and goods,” he said.
He was speaking at the Maritime Competency Recognition and Local Company Empowerment Ceremony under the Industry Collaboration Programme for the demolition, construction and upgrading of the Kuala Kedah Passenger, Cargo and RORO Terminal near here today.
Also present was Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Loke said the project, undertaken by the Transport Ministry (MoT), was in line with the National Transport Policy 2019-2030, which emphasises, among other things, strengthening transport connectivity, optimising infrastructure utilisation and enhancing the country’s competitiveness.
“We recognise that good terminal and jetty facilities are essential to ensuring smooth, safe and comfortable transport services,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said all 65 participants had successfully obtained the Domestic Mate (Open) Certificate, achieving a 100 per cent pass rate, marking an important step towards ensuring efficient and safe maritime operations.
“Infrastructure alone is not enough. We also need skilled workers and an industry that is fully prepared to support operations.
“The Domestic Mate (Open) certification programme, conducted in three sessions in Alor Setar in February, April and June this year, is an important step in supporting initiatives under the Marine Department Malaysia (JLM),” he said.
