Dr Wee (right) Dr Wee chairing the meeting to discuss early feasibility studies on developing a third port to support Port Klang’s expansion, together with the port authority, the Marine Department of Malaysia and consultants. Source: Dr Wee Ka Siong Facebook
KUALA LUMPUR: Port Klang handled a record-breaking container volume of 13.74 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
However, this also means that its Westport and Northport are reaching full capacity, making it necessary for the previously announced third port to be developed.
The Transport Minister said the stellar container handling performance was achieved despite many challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the spillover effects of container shortages, port congestion and the recent floods.
The port, he noted, had surpassed its previous record of 13.57 million TEUs in 2019 thanks to strong cooperation among various stakeholders including the Transport Ministry, Port Klang Authority, port operators, and industry players.
"Port Klang recorded a phenomenal compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2009 to 2019, making it one of the world’s fastest growing ports internationally, beating even Singapore, Hong Kong and Kaohsiung during the decade," he said in a statement on Monday (Jan 10).
Dr Wee had earlier chaired a meeting to discuss early feasibility studies on developing a third port to support Port Klang’s expansion, together with the port authority, the Marine Department of Malaysia and consultants.
He said Port Klang’s Westport and Northport are fast nearing full capacity while their total container demand is expected to increase to 66.2 million TEUs per year by 2060.
"We need to be ready with a long-term sustainable, green and economically sound masterplan to accommodate this growing demand for the next 40 years and beyond, as domestic consumption is estimated to increase 4% year-on-year towards 2030.
"The Transport Ministry will continue to monitor discussions and studies on the best approach to developing the third port," he said.
