LIM Thean Shiang, a lawyer by training, is now general manager (GM) of Port Klang Authority (PKA).

Lim took over from Datin O.C. Phang after a handing over ceremony which was held in the PKA headquarters in Port Klang last Thursday.

This confirms a Business Times report which was published last Monday.

Selangor Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association (SFFLA) president Tan Ah Beng said the association is very positive of Lim's appointment.
"We have met with him and find that he has a listening ear and wants to work together to see how we can grow Port Klang further," Tan told Business Times during a phone interview.

He said Lim's business background will also make it easier for him to understand the needs of SFFLA.

"I am sure he will more efficient in dealing with our issues," Tan said.

The Association of Malaysian Hauliers president Datuk Shalimin Shaffie welcomed the appointment, saying he is always a proponent of change and agreeable to the injection of new blood.

"We hope that the new GM will adopt a business friendly approach in Port Klang," Shalimin said.

Last Thursday, Phang call for a press conference to clear the air on several issues brought up by SFFLA in the media and her departure from PKA.

Phang said she felt it was only fair to her staff and her successor that she cleared the air on certain "misconceptions" before she leaves her post in PKA.

Phang clarified that she had been offered a six month extension on her contract by current PKA chairman Lee Hwa Beng, but she declined.

"I thought it was time for me to move on and focus on other aspects of my life," Phang told Business Times.

Phang remains as the chairman of Port Klang Free Zone until August 2008, as she was appointed to the board in her personal capacity.

She will also continue to be the president of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) until June next year.

Subsequently, she will hold the post of immediate past president of IAPH for another two years.


The NST, 09.06.2008
by Presenna Nambiar