Segamat Inland Port Reactivation To Spur Economic Growth In Northern Johor, Says Loke

SEGAMAT, June 25 (Bernama) -- The reactivation of the Segamat Inland Port (SIP) is poised to accelerate economic growth and deliver a major boost to northern Johor's industrial supply chain.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the move will revive the long-idle port, generating commercial spillover benefits particularly for the districts of Segamat, Muar, Tangkak and Batu Pahat.

He said the logistics hub's reopening will not only create jobs at the terminal but also act as a fresh catalyst for investment, giving the existing manufacturing sector a much-needed lift.

"When the Segamat Inland Port starts operations, it will need 80 staff to run the terminal. That's 80 job opportunities right there.

"But more than that, it will spur growth in other industries. Better logistics is a key factor for attracting investment, and existing factories can expand their operations.

“That, in turn, will create more jobs for our local youth," he said at a press conference today after witnessing the signing of the lease agreement for the reactivation of the Segamat Inland Port.

The agreement was signed between Segamat Inland Port Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Klang Port Authority, and Infinity Landbridge Express Sdn Bhd.

Loke said the inland port's reactivation was carried out via an open tender process and will be fully funded by private investment, at no cost to the government.

He added that the Transport Ministry is prioritising the full utilisation of the Gemas–Johor Bahru double-track rail line to strengthen the commercial transport sector, a move that also supports the national shift from road to rail for cargo transport, in the interest of user safety.

"If this momentum continues and more players switch to rail instead of lorries, we can cut lorry traffic on our roads, and that is key for long-term road safety.

"One locomotive can pull 30 to 40 carriages, moving large volumes in a single haul. That translates into better returns and greater efficiency for the industry," he said.

-- BERNAMA