01/08/2023 (Malaysia) - The West Coast Expressway (WCE) was a significant infrastructure project in Malaysia, aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth along the country's western corridor.
Spanning approximately 233km, this monumental highway began in the charming town of Banting, Selangor, and extended all the way to the Changkat Jering Interchange in Perak, creating a faster and more efficient transportation route between these two states.
According to WCE Holdings Bhd CEO Lyndon Alfred Felix, a substantial portion of the land acquired for the highway's construction came from prominent companies such as Sime Darby Bhd, United Plantations Bhd, and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK), as these companies shifted their focus from plantations to development. As a result, the region was expected to undergo significant transformation over time, with Selangor experiencing more rapid development compared to Perak.
Notably, the town situated near the Tanjong Karang endpoint of the highway experienced a surge in development around areas like Kota Kemuning and Teluk Panglima Garang, with notable projects by companies such as Tropicana Corp Bhd and Gamuda Bhd.
Overall, the completion of the WCE represented a crucial step towards improving transport infrastructure and fostering economic development in Malaysia's western region. Plans for future expansion and upgrades were already underway, with proposals to extend the highway further up to Padang Besar being evaluated by the government. As the WCE became fully operational, its impact on property prices and local economies would be closely monitored, making it a game-changer for the regions of Selangor and Perak.