MALAYSIAN sea ports must fully exploit their potential to be leaders in transportation and logistics, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday.

He said the port and logistics industries must improve linkages and integration, and remove any obstacles or inefficiency to ensure seamless and rapid transportation of goods.

Abdullah was speaking at Westport's 10th anniversary in Pulau Indah. Also present were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, Westport executive chairman Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam and Depury Transport Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar. "The way forward should be chartered with a broader overview of potential global future trends and the development of value added complementary services," Abdullah said.

Citing Malaysia's 600-year history as a trading nation, he said as globalization continues to amplify shipping volume across the world, Malaysian ports must take a strong lead in regional redistribution as well as in Asia-Europe shipping. "The challenge for Malaysia as the world's 17th largest trading nation is to continue its competitiveness in terms of the entire transportation and logistics network," Abdullah said. Abdullah also lauded Westport for emerging as a premier port in 10 years and contributing to making Port Klang the 12th largest port in the world.

- NST,15.12.2004