FGV keen to offer logistics expertise in ECRL project

KUALA LUMPUR: Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) is keen to offer its expertise in providing integrated logistics services with parties involved in the development of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.

In a statement yesterday, FGV Officer-in-Charge, Datuk Khairil Anuar Aziz, said given that ECRL’s construction would be based in Kuantan before expanding to Kelantan and Selangor, it had the advantage in providing logistics services as its facilities were located either in or close to Kuantan Port.

“We are looking to support the project by providing transportation services to carry equipment and building materials along the entire stretch of the ECRL’s 688kilometre rail track.

“We have the experience and proven track record in providing integrated logistics services for projects such as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and other mega infrastructure projects,” he said, adding that an estimated 10 per cent of the seven-year ECRL construction period would involve logistics support.

Khairil Anuar said the expansion of FGV’s logistics and others sector would provide a good supplementary income to the group, while its plantation and sugar sectors remained as the group’s core business.

Currently, FGV’s logistics businesses include multi-modal transport operations, freight forwarding, cargo transport, bulk storage tank, warehousing and operation of liquid terminal operations at the port.

In terms of logistics assets, the group owns nearly 500 trucks, 15 transport hubs, two warehouses, two jetties and nine bulking facilities with a total capacity of over 900,000 tonnes.

“On the global front, FGV’s joint-venture with the Westbury Group, Pakistan to expand an additional 38,000-tonne storage tank capacity in Port Qasim is on track, with some 15,000 tonnes already completed in May,” said Khairil Anuar.

The project would be completed by the end of the year.

“We are also looking at similar opportunities for such collaborations in Indonesia.

“We are on the right track to strengthen our logistics business and will continue to explore opportunities and potentials to enhance the group’s future earnings,” he added. — Bernama