Malaysia aims for sustainability in shipping industry, celebrates 50 years as IMO member

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has set its sights on another 50 successful years as a member state of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Speaking during a celebration to commemorate the country’s 50th anniversary in the IMO, the Transport Minister said Malaysia is committed to expand its working relationship with the organisation to develop the maritime industry and protect seafarers worldwide.

“Malaysia ratified the IMO Convention on June 12, 1971, and became an official member state of the organisation since then.

“This year will mark the 50th anniversary of Malaysia formally joining IMO as a member state.

“This is truly a momentous occasion, as Malaysia, under the auspices of IMO, has and will continue to make strides in upholding the core responsibility of ensuring that IMO instruments to which Malaysia has agreed by ratification will be implemented effectively.

“Over the years, Malaysia has ratified 26 of the 58 IMO Conventions, all in the spirit of ensuring that safety, security of shipping and the protection of marine environment is given its priority both locally and regionally.

“Malaysia takes its role as Flag State, Port State and Coastal State very seriously, applying the necessary steps in ensuring effective legal, policy and institutional framework that enables Malaysia to carry out her responsibilities at the fullest of her capabilities.

“Continuing Malaysia’s legacy of 50 years, we are keen to move on to the next 50 years with greater vision and aspirations.

“Nation-building and global sustainable shipping under the auspices of the IMO is vital, and Malaysia aims to achieve collectively greater heights in this area, by adopting an inclusive approach bringing all nations towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” said Dr Wee at the anniversary celebrations held at the Malaysian High Commission in London.

Dr Wee said shipping is one of the most important modes of transportation and it is an enabler to Malaysia’s growth.

“The sheer volume of goods and services rendered by shipping has helped to connect the world through global trade.

“With the number of ships passing through the Straits of Malacca every day, Malaysia is fully committed to the role as the coastal state in ensuring the safety of ships passing through,” said Dr Wee.

The Transport Minister also announced Malaysia’s participation in the IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 Project - a global initiative that will help developing countries meet their commitments to achieve climate change and energy efficiency goals.

“Malaysia fully recognises the opportunity to participate in this project as a timely and important initiative as the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from ships is a central issue to Malaysia.

“Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, it is also our goal to reduce GHG emissions by 45% of GDP in 2030,” said Dr Wee.

At the event, Dr Wee also announced several contributions made to the IMO fund, namely the IMO GreenHouse Gas Technical Cooperation (GHG-TC) Trust Fund (£25,000), the IMO Seafarers Fund (£25,000) and a Full Fellowship Programme for two students under World Maritime University (US$117,000).