TOYOFUJI Logistics Malaysia Sdn Bhd (TFLM), which conducts terminal operations and forwarding services in Malaysia, expects to boost the number of cars handled in Westports, Port Klang by five times to 200,000 units this year.

"Last year, we only handled 40,000 cars for Giga Sdn Bhd. This year, thanks to an additional client, Toyofuji, we will be handling some 200,000 units," Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd executive chairman Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam told reporters after the opening of TFLM by Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah at Port Klang yesterday.

This would bring a revenue of RM14 million to Westports' coffers, as the port charges RM70 per car on roll-on/roll-off (RORO) basis.

TFLM is a subsidiary of Japan's Toyofuji Shipping Co Ltd, and works closely with local agent Sunship Agencies (M) Sdn Bhd to handle shipment of Toyota vehicles in the region.
TFLM operates two yards at Westports, which can accommodate up to 1,660 cars.

Gnanalingam said securing more clients is one way Westports grow its business as it faces the challenge of rising fuel prices.

The port is forecasting revenue growth of 19 per cent to RM1 billion this year, from RM840 million in 2007.

"The government has increased fuel prices by 40 per cent, which translates to a 40 per cent increase in our fuel costs. As such, we are not sure of the impact on this year's profits yet. In the meantime, we will be increasing our productivity and our volume," he said.

In the first five months of this year, Westports handled almost two million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) of containers.

Also present at the ceremony were Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Masahiko Horie, Toyota Motor Corp senior managing director Akira Okabe, Toyofuji Shipping president Kunio Komada and TFLM managing director Go Oishi.


The NST, 17.06.2008