PORT KLANG, April 24 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke said his ministry supports the proposal to establish Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT) as a transhipment hub.
He said PKCT could expand its services due to the availability of land near the terminal, which would strengthen Malaysia’s logistic chain.
“We want to fully utilise the terminal not just for cruise operations, as it has sufficient space and wharf facilities. It can also serve as a transhipment hub for vehicles, especially since cruise passengers do not board here every day.
“This project is under PKCT, which is privately operated, and I believe it will add value and bring benefits to the country,” he told a press conference after attending the launch of the Car-Carrier Driver Training Programme for Electric Vehicle (EV) Handling here today.
Loke added that PKCT is also working to promote itself as a home port for global cruise operators.
He said the training programme is an important step to strengthen the EV ecosystem in the country, in line with the government’s aspiration to boost EV adoption.
On the proposed 30 per cent increase in port tariffs for container handling and storage, he said the matter is still under discussion and no decision has been finalised.
“It is still at the stakeholder consultation stage before a conclusive decision can be announced.
“There are proper procedures in place, and the matter has yet to reach my level for approval. The process is transparent and systematic, starting at the port authority level and involving a special committee. They have discussed the proposal and gathered feedback from industry players,” he said.
Yesterday, Loke said the proposed tariff hike would be implemented in phases over three years.
— Bernama
