KUALA LUMPUR: The armed conflict in the Middle East may have brought disruptions to global shipping, but local ports remain unaffected and continue to see healthy growth as shipping lines opt for Malaysia as a safe transshipment hub, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said the operations of Malaysian ports remained unwavering, with both Port Klang and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) recording favourable shipping volumes in the first quarter of the year.
“Our port operations are not affected by the crisis in the Middle East. In fact, shipping volumes at both Port Klang and PTP are excellent.
“The geopolitical uncertainties present challenges, yet they simultaneously offer opportunities for ports in South-East Asia, especially in Malaysia.
“We are considered a safe haven, and a lot of transshipment is taking place at our ports,” he told reporters after launching the Asean Ports and Logistics 2026 Conference yesterday.
Loke said the development highlighted the importance of Asean nations working together to ensure the Strait of Malacca, being one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, remained safe, secure and free from conflict.
He said the encouraging growth also underscores the need to expand Malaysia’s port capacity to remain competitive in the long term.
“The proposed Pulau Carey Port is a key long-term development to complement Port Klang, transforming it into a mega-port capable of meeting future demand.
“The project will be a major public-private partnership that would be carried out in several phases over the next two decades,” he added.
Loke revealed feasibility studies for the project were approved in 2018 following two to three years of research.
The Transport Ministry, he added, is currently collaborating with the Selangor government to address land-related issues prior to the commencement of construction.
He said Singapore’s Tuas Port is capable of handling about 60 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually compared to Port Klang’s current capacity of about 20 million TEUs.
“If we want to compete, we must have the infrastructure to handle larger capacity. That is why we need to develop Pulau Carey Port,” he said.
