The Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that two of Malaysia’s ports, Port Klang in Selangor and Johor’s Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), are among the top 20 busiest ports globally. Last year, Port Klang processed 14.06 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) compared to 13.22 million TEU in 2022, while PTP processed 10.48 million TEU.
Loke stated that these figures reflect Malaysia’s busy economy as an essential part of the global supply chain. He shared these details during the ministry’s monthly assembly on Friday (Feb 23).
The ratio of transshipment cargo to indigenous cargo at Port Klang was 55:45 last year, a positive development from 70:30 in 2014. Transshipment cargo involves the transport of items from one ship to another without Customs involvement, while indigenous cargo refers to locally produced or obtained items.
Loke explained that an increase in the ratio of indigenous cargo contributes significantly to the local economy, signaling progress in Malaysia’s manufacturing, construction, and services sectors over the past 10 years.
Furthermore, Loke reported a 10.7% increase in the aviation sector for domestic and international travelers in January, with a total of 81.9 million passengers recorded at Malaysian airports last year, the highest since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Malaysia’s aviation destinations have also increased from 121 in 2022 to 147 currently.
Additionally, the 30-day visa-free period for Chinese and Indian tourists introduced in December 2023 resulted in a 32% increase in passengers at KLIA Terminal 1 in January 2024 compared to December last year.
Despite the challenges faced, Loke expressed confidence that the expanding tourism sector will contribute to Malaysia’s economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic. The ministry’s monthly assembly also coincided with the celebration of Chinese New Year, with Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, and China’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing in attendance.
