WCE heading south? Zahid says Banting-Masjid Tanah extension a priority, Johor next on the cards

ALOR GAJAH, Oct 28 — In a recent Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi discussed the extension of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) from Banting, Selangor, to Masjid Tanah. Zahid stated that completing this new highway alignment would help alleviate traffic congestion and boost economic growth in the areas affected by the project.

The completed WCE currently stretches from Taiping to Banting, Selangor. Zahid added that the route from Banting to Masjid Tanah, proceeding toward Batu Pahat and Pontian, would ultimately pass through Masjid Tanah.

Datuk Rauf, the Chief Minister, mentioned that the West Coast Expressway would not only cover Pontian, Batu Pahat, and Muar but also extend to Masjid Tanah. He emphasized that they would prioritize the section from Masjid Tanah to Banting, provided it was approved. Zahid made these remarks during the launch of the Barisan Nasional election machinery for the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency in Alor Gajah.

Earlier, the Melaka state government had approached the Federal Government regarding the development of a new WCE alignment. This proposed expansion would run from Banting through Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan, enter Melaka, and continue into Johor. The extension of the highway is anticipated to enhance connectivity, stimulate industrial and tourism activities, and generate new economic growth opportunities for the local population.