The Association of Malaysian Hauliers (AMH) has raised concerns over delays in finishing Section 3 of the West Coast Expressway, which stretches from Banting to Klang and Shah Alam.
The setback, caused by unresolved land acquisition issues in Kampung Jawa, is affecting hauliers nationwide.
AMH’s executive secretary Mohamad Azuan Masud, described the stretch as a crucial link intended to reduce congestion along the Federal Highway and Shah Alam Expressway, especially for trucks traveling between industrial areas and Port Klang. “With this section unfinished, hauliers have no choice but to use heavily congested routes, leading to longer journeys, more fuel consumption, and increased vehicle maintenance,” Azuan explained.
According to WCE Sdn Bhd, 70 percent of land compensation payments for Kampung Jawa were made by September 2023 under the Land Acquisition Act.
The company denied any claims of forced evictions, highlighting that some landowners have refused to leave the area despite compensation being paid over 20 months ago, causing construction delays on this essential highway link. Azuan recognised the challenges in land acquisition but urged all parties to work together for the country’s economic benefit.
“This project plays a key role in supporting Malaysia’s logistics sector and maintaining the nation’s competitive edge,” he said.
Azuan also called on the Ministry of Works, Malaysian Highway Authority, and highway concessionaires to intensify efforts to resolve outstanding land matters and keep the project on track.
“For transporters depending on Port Klang, any delay causes significant disruptions,” he added.
The AMH also reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with authorities and stakeholders to minimise the impact and help ensure the expressway’s timely completion.