Kuala lumpur: West Coast Expressway (WCE) toll concessionaire, WCE Holdings Bhd, anticipates achieving positive cash flow and breaking even by the financial year 2030 (FY2030). This financial projection is contingent on the full completion of the WCE, particularly with the planned opening of sections 3, 4, and 7 in Selangor, which is anticipated by the first quarter of 2027.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, WCE Holdings' Chief Executive Officer, Lyndon Alfred Felix, announced that the group aims to return to profitability by 2032, five years after the completion of the remaining sections of the WCE in 2027. Felix highlighted that eight of the eleven sections are already completed, leaving three sections to be finished. He expressed optimism about the potential doubling of traffic volume following the opening of these sections, which is expected to enhance revenue projections and lead to breakeven within five years.

Felix emphasized the significance of section 7, which is poised to become a vital link between Perak and Selangor. Its completion is expected to position the WCE as a viable alternative for long-haul traffic, especially during festive and holiday periods. He stated that the completion of section 7 would facilitate substantial long-haul traffic through the WCE, offering a competitive option to the North-South Expressway.

In the first quarter ending June 30 (1Q FY2027), WCE Holdings recorded a reduced net loss of RM24.5 million compared to -RM25.33 million in the previous year, attributed to increased toll revenue from the operational sections of the WCE. However, revenue for the quarter decreased by 64.25 percent to RM140.8 million from RM393.8 million, primarily due to reduced construction revenue as the highway nears completion.

Felix also noted that the WCE's completion could stimulate economic growth in connected states, particularly Selangor and Perak, by encouraging new township developments and enhancing their roles as key logistics corridors. He pointed out the proximity of the WCE to major ports, including Port Klang and Lumut Port, which are witnessing significant logistics developments, such as the Carey Island development and Lumut Port expansion. These developments are expected to rely on the WCE as a crucial infrastructure backbone to support logistics and economic growth along the corridor.