Port Klang handled a record-breaking container volume of 13.74 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

He said it was a stellar performance despite the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the spillover effects of container shortages, port congestion and the floods recently.

The achievement, he said, had surpassed its previous record of 13.57 million TEUs in 2019 due to strong cooperation among various stakeholders including the Transport Ministry, the Port Klang Authority (PKA), port operators, and industry players.

“Port Klang has recorded a phenomenal compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2009 to 2019, making it one of the world’s fastest growing ports internationally, beating even Singapore, Hong Kong and Kaohshiung (in Taiwan) during the decade,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Dr Wee had chaired a meeting to discuss early feasibility studies on developing a third port to support Port Klang’s expansion, together with PKA, the Marine Department of Malaysia and consultants.

This also means that Port Klang’s Westport and Northport are fast nearing full capacity while their total container demand is expected to increase to 66.2 million TEUs per year by 2060, added Dr Wee.

“We need to be ready with a long-term sustainable, green, and economically-sound masterplan to accommodate this growing demand for the next 40 years and beyond, as domestic consumption is estimated to increase 4% year-on-year towards 2030.

“The Transport Ministry will continue to monitor discussions and studies on the best approach to developing the third port,” Dr Wee said.

Article Credit - 
[1] The Star