KLANG: Malaysia aims to capture more economic value from goods passing through its ports instead of merely handling higher cargo volumes, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the country must build on its strategic position along the Strait of Malacca to become a world-class logistics hub.
"Our next step is to build on that strength and capture more of the value that flows through our ports, instead of only the volume," he said at the opening of Daiso's new Global Distribution Centre in Pulau Indah here on Thursday (Nov 5).
Anwar said Port Klang handled a record 15.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, placing it among the world's 10 busiest container ports.
He said the distribution centre reflected Malaysia's ambition to attract more value-added activities, with goods arriving from around the world to be processed locally before being shipped to international markets.
"Goods will be sorted, stored and repacked for different global markets right here in Pulau Indah. This is where the value and skilled jobs will be created," he said.
Anwar said the government was also investing in port, rail and air transport infrastructure to strengthen the country's logistics capabilities.
"At sea, Westport 2 will nearly double Westport's capacity, and we are planning a future mega-port at Pulau Carey.
"On land, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and our rail freight network will carry more cargo to our ports and off our highways.
"In the air, we are expanding airport and air cargo capacity.
"Through a refreshed National Transport Policy, these will work as one system," he said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the government is seeking to raise the country's economic ceiling while improving the livelihoods of all Malaysians under the Madani Economy framework.
He said the success of investments should not be measured solely by their headline value but also by the quality of jobs created, the development of local capabilities and the opportunities given to Malaysian suppliers.
"So, we do not measure ourselves only by the headline dollar figure of the investment we attract.
"We also ask whether it creates better-paying jobs, builds local capabilities, links with Malaysian suppliers and supports sustainable development," he said.
Through the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and its investment incentives, Anwar said the government is increasingly rewarding investments that deliver these wider benefits.
"Investors who bring higher-value activities, skilled jobs and local partnerships should find Malaysia the most rewarding place to grow," he said.
