PETALING JAYA: The proposed development of Carey Island into a national maritime port city and special economic zone is expected to create up to 115,000 jobs and contribute RM4.7 billion to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2045.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN), chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, had given in-principle approval for the Carey Island Port Special Economic Zone and National Maritime Port City development.
He said the project would strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional maritime hub, stimulate economic growth and create more employment opportunities.
“The strategic development of Carey Island has the potential to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional maritime hub, while stimulating national economic growth and creating more job opportunities for the people,” he said in a statement today.
The proposed development includes a 2,500-acre port area and is expected to add 42 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in container-handling capacity and 38 million tonnes of conventional cargo capacity.
Nga said Port Klang was already among the world’s 10 busiest container ports, according to Lloyd’s List One Hundred Ports 2026.
“With the development of the third terminal on Carey Island, the government aims to further increase the capacity, efficiency and competitiveness of the country’s ports, thereby strengthening Malaysia’s position as a major global maritime hub,” he said.
He also urged the Selangor government and local authorities, particularly the Kuala Langat Municipal Council, to incorporate the relevant land-use zones for the project into the Kuala Langat Local Plan 2030 in a phased and orderly manner.
The development area is strategically connected to the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Jalan Pulau Carey, Persiaran Pulau Lumut, Pulau Indah Highway and Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS).
These road links would support cargo movement, logistics operations and connectivity between the port and surrounding economic centres.
“Coordinated, phased land-use planning is essential to ensure the project aligns with Selangor’s development plans while addressing local infrastructure and environmental needs,” said Nga.