Johor bahru: The feasibility study for the 230km southern stretch of the West Coast Expressway (WCE), which will link Banting in Selangor to Gelang Patah, is anticipated to conclude by December 16. This announcement comes as the project aims to provide an alternative to the often congested North-South Expressway (E2), especially during peak travel periods.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative. The route will traverse Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor, impacting 11 districts and 14 local authorities. The study, which commenced in June, is scheduled to complete by December 2025, with the final report and traffic model due by December 16, 2025. During this period, three focus group discussion sessions will be held.

In Johor, the districts that will be affected include Batu Pahat, Johor Bahru, Muar, Pontian, and Tangkak. Mohamad Fazli highlighted that this project will serve as a catalyst for regional infrastructure and economic development. The project is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on major routes, reduce travel times, and bolster logistics and investment networks.

By 2030, projections suggest that 26 percent of current traffic will divert to this new route, positioning the Southern WCE as a long-term solution to mobility issues in the southern region. Mohamad Fazli expressed hopes for smooth progress in all development efforts across Johor.