KUALA LUMPUR: A 40-year master plan to develop Port Klang and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) is being drawn up to help steer Malaysia’s two primary seaports into becoming world-class entities, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister said the two ports had shown their resilience during the pandemic, as well as their potential to grow further and be among the world’s top ports.

       “The government is in the middle of preparing a comprehensive and systematic plan for the expansion of our ports with a vision set for 2062, which is 40 years away.

       “As an example, every year we have to plan the expansion of Westports because the volume demand increases.

       “With PTP, we have to plan a yearly increase of one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in capacity.

       “We need to identify all the potential that we have and optimise the usage of available land and how to develop it to support the port’s expansion.

       “Port Klang, with its strategic location in the Strait of Malacca and how it is protected from huge waves, has very high potential,” he told a press conference after the launch of the Malaysia Maritime Week 2022 (MMW 2022) here.

       On course: Dr Wee trying out a simulator during the Malaysia Maritime Week 2022 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

       Also present were Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Isham Ishak and Marine Department director-general Datuk Baharin Abd Hamid.

       Dr Wee said despite the challenges of the pandemic, Port Klang and PTP were able to maintain their position within the world’s top 20 ports last year.

       “We are proud that among the 20 biggest ports in the world, two of them are in Malaysia.

       “Port Klang handled a container volume of 13.74 million TEUs last year while PTP managed 11.2 million TEUs.

       “This is considered an extraordinary achievement for PTP despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “As for Port Klang, 2021 is its best performing year in its existence, even though Selangor was affected by huge floods towards the end of the year.

       “This is a huge achievement that will help revive our maritime sector.”Dr Wee said Malaysia had a big role to play towards seafarers plying the Strait of Malacca.

       “The Strait of Malacca is the busiest sea passageway in the world. As custodians, we must become a good role model and ensure the safety of ships and seafarers.

       “We want Malaysia to be recognised as one of the world’s reputable maritime countries,” he added.

       MMW 2022 showcases exhibitions from the maritime community. There are also conferences to address issues in the post-pandemic era, as well as balancing sustainability and maritime developments.

       Earlier in his keynote address, Dr Wee said having a greener and more sustainable shipping industry is the way forward for the maritime sector in its post-pandemic revival.

       To achieve this goal, he said maritime industry players must work together in deploying new technology and promoting greener shipping practices.