PETALING JAYA: The relaunch of the Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT) in Pulau Indah, Selangor signifies a new beginning for cruise services in the Klang Valley, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The Transport Minister also thanked Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah for officially relaunching the PKCT on Monday (Sept 5).
Also present were Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, and Regent of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
Dr Wee said he was honoured and privileged to accompany Sultan Sharafuddin during the launch alongside Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and state secretary Datuk Haris Kasim.
“The PKCT is a joint venture owned by Klang Port Management Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Northport (Malaysia) Bhd, and Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the premier gateways for Klang Valley's maritime and logistics sectors.
“This is a milestone for the Transport Ministry after our efforts, in cooperation with the Health Ministry and the National Security Council, to reopen cruise terminals and domestic cruise services in December 2021 and to international cruises in April 2022.
“Major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Resorts World Cruise, Carnival Group and more have been elated by this development and will make PKCT their port of choice,” he said in a Facebook post after the relaunch.
Dr Wee added that Port Klang's strategic position in South-East Asia meant that Malaysia's cruise sector captured the highest number of port calls, with Port Klang having the highest number nationwide with a 40% market share.
“The terminal and its related players suffered a major setback during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“But we are happy to note that since July 1, PKCT has received 32 cruise ships with 73,924 passenger arrivals.
“PKCT's world-class infrastructure and handling facilities can accommodate vessels up to 348m in length and 8,000 passengers at a time,” he said.
Moving forward, Dr Wee said the Transport Ministry would work with PKCT on its development plans to extend its wharves to allow more ships to call at the terminal, and improve its facilities to handle more passengers.
“This is our pledge to help the tourism industry of Selangor,” he noted.
Dr Wee also expressed his gratitude to the state government, particularly Amirudin, as well as tourism, environment, green technology, and indigenous affairs committee chairman Hee Loy Sian for their help in making the joint venture a reality for the tourism industry.
He also thanked MMC chairman Tan Sri Tajuddin Atan, MMC Group managing director Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh, Westport Holdings executive chairman Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam, and PKCT chairman Datuk Azman Shah Mohd Yusof.
The event was also attended by foreign dignitaries including British High Commissioner Charles Hay and Canadian High Commissioner Wayne Michell Robson.
Tourism Malaysia, Klang Municipal Council and Selangor Public Works Department officials also attended.
