ALOR GAJAH, Oct 28 — The extension of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) from Banting, Selangor, to Masjid Tanah was among the matters discussed by the Cabinet, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said if realised, this new highway alignment would not only alleviate traffic congestion but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the areas affected by the project.

“Currently, the completed alignment stretches from Taiping to Banting, Selangor. Moving forward, God willing, the route from Banting to Masjid Tanah, continuing toward Batu Pahat and Pontian, will pass through Masjid Tanah.

“Datuk Rauf (Chief Minister)… this is what we discussed previously. The West Coast Expressway will not only cover Pontian, Batu Pahat, and Muar, it will also reach Masjid Tanah. We will prioritise the section from Masjid Tanah to Banting, God willing,” he said.

He made these remarks while speaking at the launch of the Barisan Nasional election machinery for the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency here last night.

Earlier, the Melaka state government had reportedly requested that the Federal Government consider the development of a new WCE alignment, running from Banting through Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, before entering Melaka and continuing into Johor.

The proposed expansion of the highway is seen as having the potential to improve connectivity, stimulate industrial and tourism activities, and create new economic growth opportunities for the local population. — Bernama