PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong on Thursday (Oct 14) chaired a meeting with leaders from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and BIMCO immediately after landing in London for a working visit.

       The Transport Minister said he briefed BIMCO secretary-general David Loosley and CEO as well as head of the ICS Marine Department Jonathan Spremulli on Malaysia's commitment to the marine industry, specifically the seafarers.

       "We agreed that much needs to be raised by the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) member states to strengthen the welfare and health of seafarers because they are the bulwark of modern life.

       "Without them, no goods can reach our supermarket shelves," said Dr Wee in a Facebook post.

       During the meeting, Dr Wee said he had invited ICS and BIMCO to encourage their members to voice their concerns on any issues related to Malaysian maritime.

       He added that his ministry will do its best to bring the matters, if any, up to the Cabinet and National Security Council (NSC) for resolution.

       The ICS represents the world’s national shipowner associations, and over 80% of the world merchant fleet, while BIMCO is the largest direct entry shipping organisation with 1,900 members in more than 130 countries, representing 60% of the world cargo fleet.