KUALA LUMPUR: Port Klang has handled a record-breaking container volume of 13.64 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) as of Dec 28, 2021.

       The stellar performance came despite the many challenges of Covid-19 as well as the spillover effects of container shortages, port congestions and most recently, adverse weather conditions, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said in a statement yesterday.

       He noted that Port Klang’s performance year-to-date had surpassed its 2019 record of 13.58 million TEUs.

       “This growth is attributed largely to the government’s proactive measures to facilitate Malaysia’s port and logistics sector during the pandemic, keeping the industry ticking towards meeting the demands of both domestic and international markets,” Wee said.

       “The introduction of several economic stimulus packages aimed at increasing consumer spending resulted in higher demand for consumer goods leveraging on e-commerce platforms to expedite distribution and delivery,” he added.

       North Port Klang

       According to Wee, the rollout of vaccination programmes for port and logistics sector workers in June 2021 provided the assurance and protection for the industry to resume full operations.

       “A big part of this success is due to the commitment and coordinated efforts of Port Klang’s logistics players and government agencies led by Port Klang Authority.

       “The terminal operators, Northport and Westports managed their operations admirably to handle additional volumes by optimising the resources available and relying on increased use of digitalisation to overcome numerous challenges,” he said.

       Wee said with the gradual reopening of the global economy in 2021, container volume handled at Port Klang regained its momentum.

       As of November 2021, compared with January to November 2020, he said imports registered a growth of 5.8% compared with 2020’s performance, while exports saw a growth of 4.8% and transhipment grew 5.6%.

       “Despite the recent floods that significantly impacted port operations, daily volumes have been restored with Port Klang expected to achieve 13.75 million TEUs by year-end, marking the best performance to date since container operations began in 1973,” Wee said.

       “The outlook for 2022 remains optimistic towards further growth given Port Klang’s competitive edge as a leading logistics hub in Asia and its strategic geographical location coupled with the government’s proactive policies which is further expected to strengthen the logistics industry,” he added.