Melaka Requests New WCE Alignment For Connectivity, Reducing Congestion

MELAKA, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- The Melaka government has requested that a new alignment connecting the West Coast Expressway (WCE) to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) be considered immediately in the tabling of the Budget 2026 next month.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the route is proposed to start from Banting, Selangor, passing through Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, before entering Melaka and then to Muar, Johor, thus providing direct access to KLIA.

"This is one of the things that industry players here have emphasised, and this matter has been brought to the attention of the federal government, and the Prime Minister has welcomed the proposal. We hope the results can be announced during the upcoming tabling of the Budget," he told reporters here today.

Previously, he attended the Budget 2026 Consultation Session - Tourism and Manufacturing Industry Players with the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, which was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Also present were the Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, and Ministry of Finance Deputy Secretary-General of the Treasury (Policy) Datuk Zamzuri Abdul Aziz.

Ab Rauf said the existence of the new WCE alignment is important for reducing traffic congestion entering Melaka, in addition to boosting the state's economic development.

"If this line is established, it will have a significant impact, especially in terms of investment, tourism, and making Melaka more competitive," he said.

He also said the state government proposed that Melaka be made the country's largest halal hub and a food security hub.

"We will refine all of these, and the Prime Minister welcomes the proposals as they involve the economic development of Melaka," he added.

--BERNAMA