PETALING JAYA: Time is money in the logistics industry, and the time that can be saved by travelling through the newest stretch on the West Coast Expressway (WCE) will boost the bottom line of logistics companies, said hauliers.
Motorists also praised the opening of the new stretch – which connects the WCE to the South Klang Valley Expressway and the Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas) – and said that it is another important artery for the road network in southern Selangor.
“It helps us get in and out of Port Klang a lot faster, and to places like Teluk Intan much easier too,” said Datuk Nazari Akhbar, who owns a fleet of lorries operating out of Port Klang.
The WCE has been a boon for logistics companies like his, as it has helped them get into towns in Perak without having to go through federal roads, which are often full of small vehicles, Nazari said when contacted.
“It is worth it to pay the toll and skip the traffic jam and stoplights. If you decide to skip paying the toll and wait in traffic instead, you will waste more fuel and time. And time is gold in our industry because we must always be on the move.”
The new 7.2km stretch, designated as Section 2 by the highway operator, crucially connects the WCE to other major highways that serve businesses and communities in Kajang and Semenyih.
Highway authorities said the new section will strengthen WCE’s aim of becoming an alternative route to states in the northern part of the peninsula and take more heavy vehicles off the currently congested North-South Expressway.
Another fleet owner in Negri Sembilan, Alvin Loke, is also glad about the latest development.
“The cost of logistics might be cut down due to this alternative route when travelling between the west coast and the northern part of the peninsula,” said Loke, who is also the treasurer of the Negri Sembilan Lorry Owners’ Association.
Stefan Pertz, editor of Asian Trucker, said the new stretch would be a “welcome convenience” for him as it has made it easier to travel between Setia Alam and the northern states.
“Having driven on parts of the new WCE, I am looking forward to being able to use it in its entirety.
“Also, this should disperse traffic towards Ipoh and Penang, giving motorists a much-needed relief. This would surely also be a welcome route for truckers hauling goods,” said Pertz.
Motorists are also praising the opening of the new stretch since it would potentially reduce traffic on other highways by providing a viable alternative route to the northern region.
Responding to the news on Section 2, Facebook user Athar Ali said the future opening of another stretch – Section 3 – will also be a game changer.
“When Section 3 is ready, the journey from the Federal Highway to Klang and onwards to Banting will certainly be smooth. And when the LRT3 (Shah Alam line) is ready, many will switch to public transport. I am sure south Klang Valley will be all smooth sailing by then,” he said.
Another Facebook user by the name of Wie Smile can’t wait for the 29.5km stretch from Assam Jawa to Tanjung Karang (known as Section 7) to be ready.
“That is a critical stretch that should have been expedited to reduce the amount of traffic from the north that builds up in Tanjung Karang town,” he said.
According to a WCE spokesman, Section 7 is expected to be ready by March 2026.
