The expansion can potentially increase Westports’ total handling capacity by up to 30 million TEUs annually.

Westports Holdings Bhd’s subsidiary, Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd, has received an approval-in-principle (AiP) from the Government to expand its container terminal facilities from CT10 to CT19, which is an extension from the current CT1 to CT9 development.

“With the AiP, the company will now commence and undertake the various studies required before finalising the terms and conditions with the government,” said Westports in a filing with Bursa Malaysia.

Westports said quarterly updates on the proposed expansion would be provided to ensure fair disclosure to all shareholders and stakeholders.

In a separate statement, Westports chief executive officer Ruben Emir Gnanalingam said the expansion could potentially increase its total handling capacity by up to 30 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually.

“It could also further strengthen Port Klang as the pre-eminent port for the nation’s gateway trade, as well as a transhipment hub in the region.

“The approval also reflected the Government’s commitment to prioritise Port Klang as the load centre of Malaysia,” he added. – Bernama