The “War” appears to be finally over. As the world navigated a journey of Economic Recovery in 2022 in the aftermath of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel.

This recovery, however, was not without its challenges. Countries are grappling with inflation, the rising cost of living and the consequences of geopolitical tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine war which broke out in February, 2022, triggering a series of chain reactions such as rising energy prices, production line disruptions, supply chain and labour shortages and soaring food prices.

The COVID-19 pandemic taught industries the world over an important lesson – the need to innovate and adapt to new market conditions and explore more efficient operations to make us more resilient against future challenges.

In the face of these challenges, Port Klang Authority (PKA) is committed to improving trade facilitation and enhancing its competitiveness and attractiveness as global trade recovers and businesses turn to shipping and logistics companies to move their goods around the world. The transportation and logistics industry is, without doubt, the backbone of every company.

 

This year marks the 60th anniversary of PKA’s formation and we are committed to realising our vision of becoming the preferred logistics hub in the Asean region with facilities and services which are on par with World Class ports, as we continue to play a pivotal role in the economic development of the country.

In keeping with our commitment, and as we chart our journey ahead, PKA has been investing in digital solutions to streamline operations and improve efficiency. This includes establishing a Digital Port Community System (DPCS) in stages beginning this year to connect the digital systems of various departments. 

We pledge to ensure compliance with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) implementation of a Maritime Single Window (MSW) by 1st January, 2024, for the mandatory electronic exchange of information required on ships’ arrival at a port, their stay and departure. This need for continuous communication and collaboration with stakeholders is essential for improving services, cargo clearance processes and operational efficiency.

We are also pleased to announce that the expansion of Westports 2 is on track and work on the new container terminal (CT), located adjacent to the existing Westports Terminal, will begin this year and is expected to be completed in several phases over the next few years. With the expansion, Westports’ container handling capacity is targeted to increase by up to 13 million TEUs per year, significantly boosting the port’s competitiveness in the region.

The existence of Westports 2 will further enhance Port Klang’s position as a major transshipment hub, offering shippers and businesses in the region access to a wider range of destinations and markets.

Our valued stakeholders and the public can also look forward to surfing a more visually-appealing and user-friendly website, offering a wealth of information on PKA’s function and activities. To engage them better, we are focused on providing clear and concise information that is easy to understand, and have simplified the navigation of our website to make it easier for users to find the information they seek, with just a click of the mouse. As we have increased the amount of material available to the public, our revamped website contains a wealth of information for those seeking to learn about PKA. 

In tandem with this, we will also be launching our newly designed 360 virtual tour of our facilities and operations very soon, giving visitors a first-hand look at our cargo handling capabilities, state-of-the-art equipment and commitment to sustainability. This is just a snippet of what you can expect from our new 360 virtual tour. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to launch this exciting new feature!

PKA has come a long way since its inception on July 1, 1963, thanks to the foresight and vision of its founding fathers, policy makers and port planners, past and present, which helped see Port Klang rise from its humble beginnings into a premier port of call along the Straits of Malacca, one of the busiest trade routes in the world connecting east and west. As Port Klang is also strategically located along the route of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative by China, it has an incomparable advantage in capitalising on the expected increase in maritime trade in the region.

We also extend our gratitude to the port workers, past and present, without whom, much of Port Klang’s progress as a leading logistics hub today would not have been made possible. Their back- breaking labour, especially in the early years, helped make Port Klang the success story that it is today. 

Despite the recent turbulence in the global economy, the shipping and logistics industry has remained resilient and many companies are optimistic about the year ahead. With new technologies, innovative solutions and a renewed focus on sustainability, the industry is well positioned to weather any challenges that may arise.

At PKA, we are committed to providing service par excellence to our customers and partners, and we look forward to working with you in the year ahead.
Thank you.

Capt. K Subramaniam
General Manager
Port Klang Authority