Will cold-chain facilities near stations prevent fish and produce spoilage?

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Cold-Chain Facilities Near ECRL Stations Can Mitigate Produce Spoilage

The East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project presents an opportunity for East Coast states to significantly reduce spoilage of local produce and seafood by establishing cold-chain facilities and agrologistics hubs adjacent to its stations. These facilities would enable the train to function as a mobile refrigeration unit, addressing the current inefficiencies in the supply chain that lead to product wastage due to the tropical climate. This strategic development is crucial for maximizing the economic benefits of the ECRL by preserving the value of goods from Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang.
Cold Storage and Packing Centres as a Solution to Spoilage

The current supply chain for perishable goods from the East Coast, such as Kelantan's smoked fish, Terengganu's sea products, and Pahang's durian and pineapples, is hampered by a system reliant on middlemen and inadequate infrastructure, leading to significant spoilage. The proposal advocates for the development of cold-chain facilities and small-scale packing centres directly beside ECRL stations. This proximity would allow these highly perishable items to be stored at optimal temperatures immediately after harvest or catch, and then efficiently loaded onto the train, effectively turning the ECRL into a "floating refrigerator" for these sensitive products.
Enhancing the ECRL's Freight Potential

While the ECRL is often discussed in terms of passenger connectivity, its true economic potential lies in freight transport. By integrating cold-chain logistics, the ECRL can become a vital conduit for moving high-value, temperature-sensitive agricultural and marine products to markets more effectively. This would not only preserve the quality of goods but also potentially increase their market value by ensuring they arrive in better condition, thereby boosting the income of local producers in states like Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang.
Addressing Last-Mile Connectivity for Perishables

A critical component of ensuring the success of cold-chain facilities near ECRL stations is addressing the "last-mile" connectivity. The proposed facilities must be easily accessible from fishing jetties and farms. This requires coordinated planning to ensure that feeder transport, whether by road, affordable ride-sharing, or other means, can efficiently bring the catch and harvest to the station for immediate processing and onward transport via the ECRL. Without this seamless integration, the benefits of the cold storage facilities could be undermined.

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Will cold-chain facilities near stations prevent fish and produce spoilage?

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