Abi Sofian Abdul Hamid, Managing Director of NCB Holdings has said that Malaysia’s ports, including Port Klang, need to be in a better position to handle the container flows brought about by the world’s largest ships if it is to achieve its previous target of becoming one of the 10 busiest ports in the world, according to Seatrade Maritime.
In a previous article by PTI, Port Klang expressed its desire to become one of the top 10 ports globally after expanding on its portfolio of terminal operators and receiving support from the controversial Port Klang Free Zone.
Port Klang is strategically placed to explore maritime trade, in contrast to southern Thailand and Sumatra, who are unable to meet the demand.
Abi Sofian said: “Jakarta and Singapore are too far and would be too costly.” He added that all resources should be utilised if it is to compete with the Port of Singapore and achieve the top 10 position.
Nationally, Malaysia has expressed an interest in opting into the Maritime Silk Road Plan, after seeing potential for China to invest in its ports and terminals.
Port Klang currently makes up for around 10 million TEU annually, which is half of Malaysia’s total TEU throughput and some way behind Singapore’s projected 65 million container handled annually.
