JOHOR BAHRU, 23 October 2024 – The Minister of Transport Malaysia officially inaugurated the 22nd ASEAN Ports and Logistics Exhibition and Conference today at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Johor Bahru. The event, hosted by the Johor Port Authority (JPA), has gathered over 300 professionals, leaders, and industry experts from ASEAN and beyond to discuss the future of the maritime industry under the theme, “The Cornerstone of Global Economy and Supply Chain Networks.”
In his keynote address, the Minister highlighted the strategic importance of Malaysia’s ports and logistics sector to both regional and global trade. “Ports are the lifelines of global trade, where goods, services, and capital flow seamlessly across borders,” he noted. Malaysia, positioned along the vital Straits of Malacca, continues to play a critical role in supporting international commerce, with key ports such as Port Klang, Tanjung Pelepas, and Penang leading the way.
The Minister also announced the remarkable achievements of Malaysia’s ports, including the Port of Tanjung Pelepas ranking 15th globally for container throughput in 2023 and Pasir Gudang Port’s record monthly throughput of over 100,000 TEUs in August 2024.
As part of Malaysia’s vision to become a regional logistics powerhouse, the Minister highlighted the significance of the Johor Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as a platform for international investment. Situated near key ports, the SEZ offers numerous advantages for industries and positions Johor as a strategic trade hub.
During the ceremony, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Johor Port Authority and Public Transport Corporation of Johor (PAJ) was witnessed by the Minister, along with the exchange of Letters of Acceptance between Johor Port Authority and Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI). These partnerships aim to foster further development in transport and research innovations for the maritime sector.
YBhg. Dato’ Monaliza Suhaimi, General Manager of Johor Port Authority, also delivered a welcome speech, emphasizing the crucial role of collaboration in driving innovation and sustainable growth in the maritime industry. She highlighted JPA’s commitment to advancing the country’s logistics sector and supporting regional trade.
The event was also attended by Chairman of JPA Board of Directors, Tuan Haji Rosnan Fathlal, whom played key roles in discussions surrounding Malaysia’s logistics future.
In addressing the challenges facing the industry, the Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration to overcome global supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, pandemics, and climate change. He also underscored the transformative role of digitalization and automation, pointing to the potential of technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT to revolutionize port operations and logistics management.
Additionally, the Minister reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability, urging the adoption of greener practices across the maritime sector. He outlined Malaysia’s efforts to implement eco-friendly technologies, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the resilience of port infrastructure.
The two-day conference will feature 35 world-class speakers discussing critical topics such as sustainability, digital transformation, and innovation in the maritime industry.
In concluding his address, the Minister called for continued collaboration across governments, industry, and academia, stating, “Let us seize this opportunity to work together and build a brighter future for our maritime and logistics sector.”
