Game-Changer for Northern Malaysia: Perlis Inland Port Set to Boost Regional Connectivity

The upcoming Perlis Inland Port (PIP), located in Chuping Valley near Padang Besar, Perlis, is poised to reshape the logistics landscape of northern Malaysia and beyond. Designed as a strategic logistics hub near the Malaysia-Thailand border, the port is poised to catalyse economic growth in the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) while enhancing connectivity among Malaysia, Thailand, and China.

Spanning 500 acres, PIP is envisioned as a multi-modal inland port integrating rail, road, and maritime transport. The port’s location is key, it will serve as a vital gateway connecting the Kuala Lumpur-Padang Besar railway line to the Thailand Southern Line and beyond to China via the Pan-Asia Railway. This will enable seamless cargo flow from Malaysia to major Asian markets, boosting trade efficiency.

The project is projected to handle between 300,000 – 1,000,000 TEUs annually upon full completion, with future capacity upgrades planned. The integration with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) will enhance east-west connectivity, reducing transit times and diversifying trade routes.

The PIP project will provide a significant boost to Perlis’ economy by generating employment opportunities and attracting foreign investment. The port is expected to spur the growth of ancillary services, including warehousing, freight forwarding, and value-added processing, positioning Perlis as a competitive logistics hub.

PIP’s strategic positioning will allow it to tap into increasing trade volumes between Malaysia, Thailand, and China, complementing existing infrastructure and reducing dependency on southern Malaysian ports.

Construction of key infrastructure, including the CIQS complex and rail connections, is underway. Once operational, PIP will enable Malaysia to offer competitive logistics solutions to regional and global markets, reinforcing its role as a critical player in the ASEAN supply chain.

The PIP project aligns with Malaysia’s national trade agenda, supporting its ASEAN connectivity goals and strengthening cross-border commerce, particularly with Thailand. The port’s development also signals a proactive step in diversifying Malaysia’s trade routes to reduce reliance on the congested Straits of Malacca.