New horizons: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Anwar being briefed about the Maharani Freeport by Maharani Energy Gateway Sdn Bhd executive chairman Datuk Dr Daing A. Malek Daing A. Rahaman (far left) during the launch at Tanjung Emas, Muar. — Pic from Pejabat Perdana Menteri’s Facebook page
MUAR: The launch of Maharani Freeport marks a historic milestone for Malaysia, promising to reshape the nation’s economic trajectory and reinforce its identity as a global maritime hub, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the port will revitalise the country’s centuries-old legacy along the Strait of Malacca, which once served as a bustling trade, cultural and commercial route between East and West.
“Through Maharani Freeport, we reaffirm our role as a bridge of trade and civilisation in the 21st century,” he said at the inauguration in Tanjung Emas here yesterday.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, officially unveiled the freeport.
Also present was Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
Strategically located at the southern gateway of the strait, Maharani Freeport sits along one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, with about 100,000 vessels passing through annually, carrying nearly a quarter of global seaborne oil trade and a substantial portion of world commerce.
This, according to Anwar, positions it as a central hub for transhipment, logistics and regional trade, linking Indo-Pacific markets with the Middle East and Europe.
He said Malaysia’s economic fundamentals remain strong, with projected gross domestic product growth of 4% to 4.5% in 2026.
“The freeport is expected to support these goals by expanding maritime capacity, boosting logistics competitiveness and anchoring Malaysia more deeply in global supply chains,” he added.
He said the government has approved a suite of tax incentives for the port’s master developer and companies engaged in energy hub activities, deep-sea port operations and trade-related services.
It will generate at least 45,000 jobs, spur supporting industries and create opportunities for small and medium enterprises, helping transform Muar into one of the country’s most dynamic economic frontiers, he said.
Anwar said the development will also stimulate growth in logistics, shipbuilding, education and urban development while emphasising sustainability as a core principle.
“Maharani Freeport incorporates green technologies, renewable energy systems and digital innovation aimed at reducing emissions and improving operational efficiency,” he added.
Located within Muar Port limits along the world’s largest oil shipping lane, the freeport provides natural deep-water access exceeding 24m, enabling safe and efficient operations for very large crude carriers and other huge vessels.
Spanning nearly 1,300ha across three purpose-built islands and the mainland, Maharani Freeport integrates four major components: the Maharani Energy Hub, Maharani Deep Seaport, Maharani Freeport Industrial Park and Maharani Freeport Financial Hub.
Together, these components create a fully integrated ecosystem for oil trading, storage, blending, ship-to-ship operations, bunkering, marine services, renewable energy production, petrochemical activities, shipbuilding and repair, and advanced digital platforms.
It is expected to attract RM144bil in long-term investments, transforming Muar into one of Malaysia’s most dynamic new port cities.
