Port Klang, which is projected to handle 10.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) this year, may have a third port in the next five to six years to help meet the growing demand, Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said.
Currently the existing port operators, Northport and Westports, are still able to meet the demand and cater to the needs of shipping lines, he said.
“The third port is part of the Port Klang Development Master Plan to strengthen the world’s 12th busiest port in the future,” he said at a press conference on the sidelines of the ‘Asia – Engine for Growth’ logistics forum and exhibition here today.
Asked if there any plans to increase Port Klang’s tariff structure to be on par with neighbours’, Abdul Aziz said there is no tariff revision at the moment.
“We are trying to offer competitive rates to encourage more vessels to Malaysia,” he said.
The current handling charges for a 20-foot and a 40-foot container are RM230 and RM345 respectively, while transshipment costs RM140 for a 20-foot box and RM210 for a 40-foot box.
The deputy minister said the government is committed to continuing to develop and expand ports in the country including to deepen and widen the entrance to the Kuantan Port, which faces the South China Sea.
“We are going to provide an integrated multi-modal transport system, this can be seen in the efficient highway system we have in place and the double-tracking rail network that is currently being undertaken by the government,” he said.
Abdul Aziz said the government will continue to give strong support to realise Port Klang’s vision to remain the national load centre and be the region’s most preferred logistics hub.
“Both terminals at Port Klang have purchased hybrid equipment in line with the government’s green technology initiative to enhance productivity and efficiency as well as to promote a green environment,” he said.
Port Klang, the premier container port in Malaysia, handled over 10 million TEUs last year.BERNAMA
