PETALING JAYA: Malaysian ports have been operating at high efficiency, staying competitive and active in the dynamic but challenging global environment, says Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).
The Transport Minister said the development and expansion of Malaysian economic events were closely connected to the maritime sector.
“Investments, trade, human resource, structure and, in particular, port infrastructure, had made Malaysia an attractive location for investment for global players, ” said Dr Wee during his keynote address at the Port Governance and Management webinar yesterday.
He noted tensions from the global economic downturn, combined with rising international trade disputes and the coronavirus pandemic, had dealt a severe blow to merchandise trade.
This was the same with many ports worldwide, he said.
“However, weekly assessments revealed that port calls by container ships show early but uneven signs of recovery. The number of ships pulling into ports for loading and unloading rebounded in many parts of the world in the third quarter of 2020, ” he said.
He noted that ports played a pivotal role in the government’s national agenda and the future success of the country hinged on their robust and effective governance.
Dr Wee added that ports needed to adapt accordingly to the changes in economic circumstances
The webinar, which focused on post-pandemic recovery, was hosted by the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (Mima) and supported by the Port Klang Authority, Johor Port Authority and Kuantan Port.
Dr Wee added that his ministry was committed to supporting ports along with all related businesses to embrace challenges and to move towards the recovery and seeking opportunities across the region.
“Malaysia looks forward to a leading role in re-energising the economy related to the maritime sector, ” he said.
Also joining in the webinar was United States Ambassador to Malaysia Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, Maritime Safety for the International Maritime Organisation director Heike Deggim and Mima chairman Datuk Mohamed Suffian Awang. – The Star
