TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke announced three projects in Kedah, to the tune of more than RM500 million, aimed at improving transport facilities in the northern peninsula.

Loke said the projects are upgrades to the Kuala Kedah terminal and jetty, the procurement of 12 three-car sets (3CS) for the North Commuter plan, and the construction of a covered motorcycle parking lot with lifts at four Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) stations in the state.

He said the Kuala Kedah project is about to go to the tender advertisement stage for the demolition, construction, and upgrade of the passenger, cargo, and roll-on, roll-off terminal and jetty. 

“This project is expected to be advertised June 6 after all tender documentation is completed. (It) is expected to be completed within 36 months of the contractor’s acquisition of the site.

“We hope to be able to award or hire a contractor by the end of November when all tender processes are completed,” he told reporters at the Kuala Kedah jetty today.

Loke said the project will focus on a green technology-based new terminal that can accommodate up to 3,000 passengers from only 800 currently.

For the second project, Loke said KTMB will procure 12 sets of 3CS. Tender advertisement is set for June 30 and completion is expected within 36 months.

He said the main scope of the project is to supply the Butterworth-Padang Besar and Butterworth-Padang Rengas routes.

“Based on passenger demand patterns, the number of passengers in the northern sector is expected to increase day by day, especially during school and public holidays.”

On the third project, Loke said two lifts will be built at the Kodiang railway station near Kubang Pasu and the Kobah railway station in Pendang, while covered motorcycle parking lots will be built at the Alor Setar, Anak Bukit, and Kobah stations with cooperation from the Railway Assets Corporation.

Loke said the three projects have nothing to do with state elections, adding that they are part of the unity government’s responsibilities in Kedah. – Bernama, May 30, 2023.