PETALING JAYA: The Transport Ministry is committed to protecting the interests of seafarers and addressing issues faced by them, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).

       “As representatives of the country to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), we take upon the responsibility of overseeing the welfare of Malaysia’s 6,108 active seafarers serving on close to 4,000 foreign and domestic vessels seriously," said the Transport Minister during his speech at the launch of the "Fair Future For Seafarers: Challenges And Solutions" virtual conference on Sept 30.

       Dr Wee added that his ministry was committed towards keeping the wheels of commerce turning amidst the pandemic which resulted in seafarers being among the first recipients of the Covid-19 vaccine within the transport and logistics sector which began on June 25.

       “To date, a total of 46,616 maritime workers have been vaccinated under Malaysia’s National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.

       “From this number, we have vaccinated 4,398 seafarers (72% of 6,108) thus far and are continuing to do so,” said Dr Wee.

       He added that in conjunction with IMO’s World Maritime Day theme “Seafarers: At the Core of Shipping’s Future”, the conference was aimed at drawing global attention towards the contributions of seafarers to world trade by keeping supply chains open despite extremely challenging conditions.

       “I would like to thank and applaud the Association of Malaysia's Maritime Professionals (IKMAL) for successfully organising this event featuring 12 speakers and three moderators comprising renowned professionals from disciplines crucial to the maritime sector, from seafarers, shipowners, port authority leadership, and government officers.

       “I equally hope that this conference brings the maritime fraternity closer and delves into all aspects of challenges faced by seafarers, both physical and psychological, and particularly those brought on as a result of the global pandemic,” said Dr Wee.

       He added that the discussions and knowledge sharing from this conference would be compiled into a report from which the Transport Ministry would use to formulate constructive and viable policies to bring development and improvement encompassing the maritime sector as a whole.