PORT KLANG: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah officiated the Malaysian Marine Department’s (MMD) Light Dues Tower at its headquarters here yesterday.
The Sultan was accompanied by Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Amirudin Shari, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Marine director-general Datuk Dickson Dollah.
The Light Dues Tower is a milestone in the government’s commitment to strengthening maritime infrastructure by driving technological innovation and fostering collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the nation’s maritime trade remains safe, efficient and sustainable.
Meanwhile, Loke, in his speech at the event, said that the 12-storey RM93.68mil tower is equipped with an accredited Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) centre that complies with the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) standards.
He said the MMD’s VTS complies with IALA international standards and plays an active role in shaping the standards at the global level.
“The Malaysian Marine Department is the architect of Malaysian waters globally. With this better facility, it is hoped the Malaysian Marine Department will continue playing its pivotal role as the pioneering agency in taking care of the safety and sustainability of the country’s maritime environment,’’ he added.
Maritime milestone: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (centre) taking a closer look at the model of the Light Dues Tower. Looking on is Amirudin (left). — KK SHAM/The Star
Loke says the VTS centre’s role in the tower is vital to maritime safety as it monitors the movement of thousands of ships every day and provides navigation information and early warnings of potential dangers.
Anthony also said that the Strait of Malacca was one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with an average of about 200 ships per day plying its route.
“This amazing number includes giant oil tankers, container cargo ships and various other types of merchant ships that carried about one-fifth of the total global trade,” said Loke.
Given this, added Loke, the existence and operational efficiency of the VTS was a crucial defensive wall in preventing ship collisions, managing maritime emergencies, such as oil spills or stranded ships, and ensuring the smooth flow of maritime trade.
“Without an efficient and modern VTS system, the risk of accidents at sea will increase significantly, which could affect the country’s economy, pollute the environment, and threaten lives,” he said.
The construction of the tower began in December 2017 and was completed in 2021/ It officially started operations in 2024.
The architectural concept of the Light Dues Tower was designed to resemble a cruise ship, symbolising the MMD’s role as the leader of the nation’s maritime sector.
The construction was funded under the provisions of the Federation Light Dues Act 1953.
