{
  "id": 16768279,
  "title": "WCE expected to be extended from Banting to Masjid Tanah - Zahid",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/wce-expected-to-be-extended-from-banting-to-masjid-tanah-zahid",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-27T16:23:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1565016/wce-expected-be-extended-banting-masjid-tanah-zahid"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi discussed the possibility of extending the West Coast Expressway (WCE) during a cabinet meeting, reported BERNAMA. If completed, the new highway alignment from Banting to Masjid Tanah would alleviate traffic congestion and spur economic growth in the affected regions. The current alignment extends from Taiping to Banting, Selangor. The extended route would then continue to Masjid Tanah, leading to Batu Pahat and Pontian. The WCE will not only connect Pontian, Batu Pahat, and Muar, but also reach Masjid Tanah, according to Chief Minister Datuk Rauf. Zahid made these remarks at the launch of the Barisan Nasional election machinery for the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency. Earlier, the Melaka State Government had requested the Federal Government to consider developing a new WCE alignment from Banting through Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan, into Melaka and Johor. The proposed expansion is expected to enhance connectivity, boost industrial and tourism activities, and generate economic growth opportunities for the local population.",
  "summary": "ALOR GAJAH: 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 Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}