PORT KLANG: Malaysian ports have the capability to be leaders in the area of transportation and logistics, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“The future of the ports to serve as mega transhipment hubs are also quite apparent,” he said in a ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of the Westport here yesterday. He said he was confident that Malaysian ports could be the leader because of the country's long-standing tradition as a locus of shipping lines and sea-trade.

He added that this was because the country was located in this part of the world, which was famous for its maritime activities since 600 years ago.

Also present at the ceremony were Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, Westport chairman Tan Sri Nik Ibrahim Kamil and Westport executive chairman Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam.

Abdullah also commended Westport’s effort in complementing the national port agenda to be the world's top ten. “I share your sense of achievement in what has been accomplished in building this hub of transportation and logistics,” he said.

“The credit for all the advancement attained, including an increase in handling capacity of over 10 times in the last 10 years must go to Tan Sri Gnanalingam and the Westport family,” he said.

Abdullah said the success generated by Westport had jointly contributed in improving the accessibility, capacity and productivity of Port Klang to be the 12th largest port in the world.

Abdullah noted that modern challenges facing Malaysia as a trading nation included the need to improve the national multi-modal linkages and remove inefficiencies to enable rapid and seamless transportation of goods and services. “Planning must be flexible to adapt to uncertainties and grasp opportunities beyond the horizon,” he said.

“Malaysian port operators as well as stakeholders across the transportation and logistics industry have to work together to ensure Malaysia increases its overall competitiveness,” Abdullah said.

- NST,15.12.2004