MY's transport minister approves plan to redevelop KL Sentral

The Malaysian cabinet has reportedly approved a proposal to redevelop the Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station to cater to the rise in the number of commuters and traffic volume in the city’s central hub of transportation.

Predicted to cost around RM1 billion, the project will be financially backed by Malaysian Resources Corporation (MRCB) as its primary developer, according to transport minister, Anthony Loke who was speaking at a press conference.

According to New Straits Times, he went on to add that that the redevelopment of KL Sentral will also not impact public transportation operations.

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Loke reportedly also stated that the redevelopment of the station was crucial as it was the central hub of public transportation used by the public, adding that passenger capacity has increased to 200,000 daily, which means that the station’s current capacity is insufficient to house that many people.

MRCB, Loke said, will also be working with Malaysia’s Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) in the PM’s department and MRCB itself. For the decisions to be finalised, Loke reportedly said that the transport ministry will provide a maximum of two years for both parties. Considering the urgency of the need for redevelopment, he deemed the project to be a strategic and essential one.

Alongside KL Sentral Station, Kuala Lumpur International Airport is also set to be revamped and rebranded. Earlier this year, the Malaysian government agreed to rebrand Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) to KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2 respectively.

In a press statement, Malaysia Airports managing director, Dato’ Iskandar Mizal Mahmood said the move will allow for more effective marketing of the airport’s services, thus strengthening KL International Airport’s position as a regional hub.

According to The Star, the move is expected to take place after the signing of an agreement between the government and Malaysia Airports Holdings by the end of the first quarter. Loke also echoed the same sentiments added during the press conference reported by The Star that the proposal to rebrand KLIA and KLIA 2 are important for the commercial sustainability of KLIA and also the growth of airports throughout the country.

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