WHEN Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took office as Prime Minister in 2003, he raised several key points as his aspirations for the nation.

One of them was the need for Malaysia's first-class facilities to go hand in hand with a first-class mentality.

This is a call which Westport has heeded, having helped Port Klang to emerge as the world's 13th busiest port in 2004.

The port has also implemented first-class processes, resulting in it being placed among the world's top five in productivity.

Aside from this, it has fulfilled many other points raised by Abdullah.

*The private sector should play an active role in creating employment and economic opportunity

When it commenced operations 10 years ago, Westport was a green-field terminal.

Now, it is a world- class port generating over RM500 million in revenue. In staff strength, Westport rose from 20 employees in 1994 to 2,200 today.

All of Westport's staff are Malaysians, of which 70 per cent are Bumiputeras. With the growth of the port industry doubling every seven years and through value-added services and distribution hubs, further employment can be created.

*We must seek and identify new sources of economic growth.

By and large, Westport has fulfilled Abdullah's call for the country to seek new sources of economic growth as it has played a vital role in helping Port Klang grow from handling 1.5 million TEUs to 5.2 million TEUs over the last 10 years, 65 per cent of which are transhipment cargo.

Westport has established itself as a regional cargo hub capable of facilitating world trade through Malaysian corridors and direct trade with other Southeast Asian nations.

*The public sector must radically move beyond its role as mere regulators and law enforcers.

Westport acknowledges the fact that success is partly owing to the willingness of several government agencies to implement a blind shift and respond to the private sector's needs.

It enjoys support and help from the Customs, immigration, health, agriculture and fisheries departments as well as good service from Tenaga Nasional Bhd and telecommunications companies.

*The ideas, aspirations and idealism must be harnessed to facilitate innovation, invention and creativity.

Westport's intelligent environment, where most of its IT systems have been developed in-house, has boosted port productivity.

Container productivity, for example, has increased from 20 moves per hour (mph) in 1994 to 30 mph in 2004, while a target of 35 mph has been set for this year.

In the same duration, break bulk and dry bulk has increased from 100 tonnes to 200 tonnes and 400 tonnes per hour respectively, while liquid bulk has doubled from 200 tonnes to 400 tonnes.

This is estimated to increase to 3,000 tonnes per hour this year with the installation of additional pipelines.

*Corruption in an odious crime

At Westport, all procedures from beginning to end are transparent. Tenders and procurement of goods are conducted electronically through an online open bidding system.

On top of this, its premises are crime free and drug free, and its staff to adopt an anti-bureaucracy, de-regulatory and non-authoritative approach in all their dealings.

*Human resource development has to be enhanced

Westport has improved its human resources by playing and treating its employees well so that they are geared towards higher productivity.

About 99 per cent of its staff are new, and there is minimum discipline and absenteeism problems.

*Poverty must be eradicated

Westport ensures its employees welfare and well-being are taken care of.

Its minimum wage of RM1,500 is one of the best in the country.

This sum is provided to ensure that its staff does not have to take on a second job or turn to non-collateral lenders when they are in financial trouble.

The NST, 28.3.2005