WCE Holdings expects to turn profitable by 2030 on expressway completion

WCE Holdings Bhd, operator of the West Coast Expressway (WCE), is optimistic about achieving profitability and positive cash flow by 2030. This outlook is contingent on the full completion of the WCE, with key sections in Selangor slated for opening in the first quarter of 2027. The company's CEO, Lyndon Alfred Felix, stated that within five years of the WCE's full completion in 2027, the group aims to return to profitability by 2032.

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With the completion of the entire alignment, WCE will connect the route from Banting to Taiping, thus completing the expressway corridor.

Currently, eight of the eleven WCE sections are operational, with the remaining three under development. The full completion will link Banting to Taiping, establishing a vital expressway corridor. Felix highlighted that financial performance hinges on traffic volume growth and operational cost control. He noted that the existing eight completed sections provide a clear understanding of traffic patterns, which is expected to improve once the final three sections open.

Sections 3, 4, and 7, located in Kampung Jawa, Klang, and Tanjong Karang, Selangor, respectively, are anticipated to be significant drivers of traffic growth. Selangor typically sees traffic volumes double that of Perak. Section 3, in particular, connects to densely populated and economically active areas of Selangor, bolstering confidence in meeting performance targets.

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The positive thing is that eight out of 11 sections have been completed and we now have a real picture of traffic patterns. When the three final sections are opened, we expect existing traffic to be channeled better onto this highway.

The WCE is also poised to stimulate economic development in western Selangor, especially in Tanjong Karang and Sungai Besar. The expressway's strategic importance was recently underscored by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. Upon completion, the travel time between Tanjong Karang and Klang is expected to decrease significantly, enhancing travel efficiency and fostering new residential and economic activities. This improved connectivity is seen as a catalyst for urban and housing growth.

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Section 3 also has a connection to the more densely populated areas of Selangor and has high economic activity.

Beyond Selangor, the WCE is viewed as a crucial logistics corridor for Perak, given its proximity to major ports like Port Klang and Lumut. The development of the logistics sector around Lumut is also expected to benefit from the expressway.

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When travel time becomes more efficient and faster, it can be a catalyst for economic development, including urban and housing growth.