Full backing for Maritime Silk Road

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said those wanting to take driving license for cars and motorcycles will only have to take the computerised Malaysian Highway Code test only once. Pic by LIM CHENG KIAT / The Star.

BEIJING: Malaysia fully supports the concept of the 21st century Maritime Silk Road (MSR) initiated by China, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

“We have identified a few ports in Malaysia to be part of the MSR,” he said after leading a Malaysian delegation to two separate meetings with the Chinese Transport Ministry and Foreign Affairs Ministry here yesterday.

Liow said the close ties between both countries have resulted in cooperation in the transportation field, including railway projects and purchase of trains from China.

“Such cooperation will help boost the economy of Malaysia,” said Liow, who added that he also looked forward to more Chinese investment in Malaysia.

Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Jailani Johari, who is also part of the delegation, said both sides have agreed to cooperate on issues relating to MH370, the Beijing-bound Malaysia Airlines flight that went missing on March 8 last year.

“The Chinese side has reaffirmed its support in the search mission and in caring for the welfare of the passengers’ next-of-kin.

“We also updated them on the action plans related to MH370,” he said.

Jailani is heading one of the four ministerial subcommittees handling various MH370 issues.

Also present in the meetings were Deputy Minister of Women, Family & Community Development Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri, Department of Civil Aviation director-general Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman and Malaysia’s ambassador to China Datuk Zainuddin Yahya.

Liow added that Malaysia, China and Australia were committed to search for the aircraft that was believed to have ended its journey in the southern Indian Ocean.