The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) and the Pahang government has resolved to turn Kuantan into Malaysia's renowned port city.

In a statement Tuesday, ECERDC said while Kuantan is poised to be the main gateway to ASEAN and Asia-Pacific, Kuantan Port is being expanded into a deep-water port and set to handle 52 million freight weight tonnes of bulk and container cargo.

It said the new breakwater, which had reached an advanced stage of construction, would create a sheltered harbour upon completion.

The Port Link Road, when completed, will significantly improve access between Kuantan Port and the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) and the East Coast Expressway, it added.

ECERDC CEO Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John said Kuantan’s position as a port city and gateway to the Asia-Pacific markets would help attract more investments and trade activities in the ECER Special Economic Zone (ECER SEZ), which also included Gambang and Pekan.

"The spillover effects from these investments into ECER will bring about better socio-economic benefits, especially jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for the local communities," he added.