KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the Transport Ministry to lead coordination efforts to help the maritime industry to emerge as a stronger force and be more resilient.
The Prime Minister said the shipping industry must continue to be considered as the bloodline that supports connectivity, which is an essential part of global trade.
“Now, I think more than 80%, almost 90%, of Malaysia’s exports are done by sea or the maritime industry – which means in terms of cost, it is more competitive and deemed efficient.
“We are proud to say that Port Klang, Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Penang Port are among the ports that are emerging to be more effective and competitive, and with the support of the industry, we can ensure that they are not only one of the top 20, but can also reach the top 10,” he said during a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Malaysia Maritime Week 2024 here yesterday, Bernama reported.
The Prime Minister said the implementation of the Malaysia Maritime Single Window as a central digital database and common data source is an important step forward in the digitalisation of the industry.
Furthermore, Anwar emphasised that, as a trading nation, Malaysian waters should remain open to all maritime industries and countries that wish to continue trading with Malaysia.
He stressed that through the Madani Economy and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, Malaysia would continue to establish good relationships with its neighbours and big trading partners – namely the United States, Europe and China.
“Few countries are as fortunate as Malaysia to be considered friendly to all of these countries, being part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, having excellent engagement with the US and Europe, as well as now increasing bilateral trade relations with China,” he added.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that during his recent meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, he indicated that the only considerations for Malaysia to be part of the BRICS intergovernmental organisation are trade and investments.
“Trade, investments, and the country’s status as an independent hub for international trade between the West and the East are the sole factors to consider,” said Anwar.
“We have played that role in the past, and we should be confident enough to determine our course of action, our priorities and our strategic interests to be defined on our own terms.”
