PENANG AIRPORT’S PILA PROJECT BEGINS IN Q1 2026 — HASBI

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- The Penang International Logistics Aeropark (PILA) development project at Penang International Airport began in the first quarter of this year, said Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah.

He said PILA is a phased project to upgrade and expand the capacity of the new cargo terminal, aimed at improving services in the air cargo sector.

“Phase 1 targets an increase in cargo handling capacity from 0.16 million tonnes to 0.5 million tonnes per year through the development of a new cargo terminal, construction of a taxiway, and two parking aprons,” he said during a question-and-answer session in Dewan Negara today.

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He was responding to a question from Senator Susan Chemerai Anding, who asked about proactive measures by the ministry to prepare the nation’s aviation and port infrastructure to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional air and maritime cargo logistics hub.

Hasbi said, in line with the aim of positioning Malaysia as a regional distribution centre under the National Transport Policy 2019-2030, the ministry has also conducted engagement sessions with stakeholders, including Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, to draft strategies for empowering the industry.

Elaborating, Hasbi said the phased reform plan for the air cargo ecosystem, which began at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, is aimed at improving policies, procedures and digitalising operational processes.

“This collaboration involves multiple stakeholders and has been ongoing since the fourth quarter of 2025,” he said.

For the maritime sector, Hasbi said port authorities, including the Federal Ports Commission, are committed to exploring space and supporting port expansion initiatives.

He said ongoing and planned expansion projects include Phase 1 of the New Deep Water Terminal by Kuantan Port Authority in 2018, while Phase 2 is still in planning.

He added that Johor Port Authority is planning the development of Phase 3 of the Tanjung Pelepas Free Zone, expected to begin this year, along with new berth development to reach 16 million TEUs by 2029.

He also said the construction of spur lines from main railway lines is a strategic step to ensure direct connectivity between ports and major industrial hubs.

“Related projects include the spur line linking the East Coast Rail Link project to Port Klang and Kuantan Port, as well as the extension of siding tracks at the North Butterworth Container Terminal,” he said.

-- BERNAMA