By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Nov 17 — Selangor will continue strengthening its port and logistics ecosystem to ensure the state’s export performance contributes to wider economic opportunities for its people.
State executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han said the state, which contributed 26.2 per cent to the national gross domestic product (GDP) last year, would also optimise its main infrastructure network to drive international trade.
“Last year, Port Klang ranked the world’s 10th busiest port, surpassing Hong Kong for the first time, with 14.64 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) handled,” he said during the question and answer session at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, today.
He added that the Transport Ministry projected container volume at Port Klang to reach nearly 15 million TEU this year.
Ng said Selangor’s trade value also rose 12.3 per cent to RM864.48 billion in 2024, while exports increased 7.3 per cent to RM507.43 billion.
Between 2020 and June 2025, a total of 114,092 potential job opportunities were created in the state, with 20.7 per cent coming from the services sector, including logistics, as well as driven by new investment approvals.
To support long-term growth, Ng said the state is stepping up with major developments, including the proposed Third Port on Pulau Carey and the establishment of a Pulau Carey Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
“This project will enhance supply chain efficiency and expand port capacity. At the same time, strategic cooperation with the Port Klang Authority and the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) will continue to strengthen investor interest and build a skilled local workforce.”
In response to Sijangkang assemblyman Datuk Ahmad Yunus Hairi on manpower readiness for the Pulau Carey Third Port, Ng said technical and vocational education and training (TVET) training remains a core priority to ensure sufficient skilled workers in all sectors in Selangor.
He added that the state, through the Selangor Technical Development Centre (STDC), is working with education institutions to ensure talent availability aligns with industry needs.
Meanwhile, Ng said Shah Alam’s proximity to Port Klang and the strong road connectivity makes it a prime location for logistics companies.
“This is why it has become a main location for logistics and warehousing companies,” he said when responding to Batu Tiga assemblyman Danial Al-Rashid Haron Aminar Rashid on managing the increasing traffic in Shah Alam and Batu Tiga.
On prioritising local talent, Ng said incentives by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) and the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry (Miti) include conditions requiring companies to prioritise local hiring.
“This includes ensuring a certain percentage of the hires earn at least RM4,000 as a starting salary. This is very beneficial for our local youth,” he said.
