Keeping things moving: Loke (left) visiting one of the booths at the 22nd Asean Ports and Logistics Exhibition and Conference at a hotel in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: Malaysia cannot stop other countries from developing their own infrastructure, but it will ensure that the port and logistics sectors boost their efficiency to remain competitive, says Anthony Loke.
“We cannot obstruct neighbouring countries such as Thailand from developing its own infrastructure. What we can do is have good and open trade and foreign policies.
“We have to have confidence in ourselves,” the Transport Minister said after opening the 22nd Asean Ports and Logistics Exhibition and Conference here yesterday.
Loke was asked to comment on Thailand’s plans to build a 90km land bridge across its southern region, which could see shipping trade bypass Malaysia and Singapore.
It was reported that on Feb 16, the Thai Parliament had approved the proposed report of the Chumphon-Ranong Land Bridge mega project with a development concept involving the construction of a new port in Chumphon and Ranong that is connected to a network of highways and railways.
Meanwhile, Loke said the conference came at a pivotal moment as the global maritime and logistics industries were navigating complex challenges and opportunities.
Without robust, efficient and adaptable supply chains, economic growth would stall and prosperity would be compromised, he said, adding that this had been underscored by recent global events that tested the resilience of supply chains, from the pandemic and geopolitical tensions to environmental disruptions.
“As such, Malaysia’s port operators should capitalise on our strategic location along one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.
“Situated in the Malacca Strait and South China Sea, Malaysia has three main ports along that route – Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor, Port Klang and Port of Penang.
“There are also several ports in the pipeline by the private sector so we should not have to worry about (external) competition, the most important thing is that we increase our efficiency and services,” he added.
Separately, on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Loke called it a prime example of how Malaysia was embracing the evolving global economy.
“I invite our international partners to explore the boundless opportunities that the JS-SEZ presents. It is a symbol of Malaysia’s forward-looking vision – one that balances economic growth with innovation, sustainability and regional collaboration,” he said.
During the event, Loke also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Johor Port Authority (LPJ) and Johor Public Transport Corporation Sdn Bhd.
He also saw the exchange of a letter of acceptance between the LPJ and the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation.
Both partnerships would drive innovation, sustainability and operational excellence, further cementing Malaysia’s role as a key player in the Asean maritime landscape, he said.
The conference, themed “The Cornerstone of Global Economy and Supply Chain Networks”, gathered over 300 professionals, leaders and industry experts from Asia, Europe, Africa and the United States.
