JELEBU: Penang Port continues to play a crucial role as a logistics gateway for container and cargo movements between southern Thailand and Malaysia, says Anthony Loke (pic).
The Transport Minister said the port has strengthened its position as a regional logistics hub due to the growing volume of container traffic between the two countries.
“We handle a significant volume of containers to and from Thailand, making Penang Port a gateway to southern Thailand.
“Cargo is transported in containers by rail between southern Thailand and Penang Port, and vice versa,” he said after meeting residents in Pekan Titi yesterday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently instructed the Transport Ministry to explore greater use of ports along the Malaysia-Thailand border, as well as Penang Port, to strengthen infrastructure development and logistics networks in the border region.
The request followed Anwar’s recent meeting with his Thai counterpart, Anutin Charnvirakul, during the latter’s official visit to Malaysia, where both leaders had discussed transportation cooperation and the use of ports.
Loke noted that efforts to strengthen logistics development along the southern Thailand border were already underway.
He cited the development of the Perlis Inland Port as a key logistics support centre.
On a separate matter, Loke reminded participants in the motorcycle convoy held in conjunction with the RXZ Members 8.0 rally, scheduled for July 31 and Aug 1, to obey traffic laws and prioritise road safety.
“Programmes like this have a positive impact on the domestic economy and benefit local traders, but road safety must always be prioritised to prevent any untoward incidents,” he said.
