RM10 mln spent to upgrade Labuan port
Published on: Sunday, March 31, 2024
By: Bernama
Zaliha during her working visit to the port. - Bernama
LABUAN: Labuan Liberty Port, the duty-free island's key containerised port, has undergone extensive upgrading works with an investment of more than RM10 million over the past three years.
The upgrades primarily focused on enhancing safety measures and operational efficiency.
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Notable improvements include the concreting of the container yard to facilitate safer and more efficient stacking operations, upgrades to warehouse facilities to accommodate increased cargo storage capacity and the installation of new iron fencing around the port perimeter.
Port operator Megah Port Management Sdn Bhd (MPM) chief operating officer Datuk Seri Patrick Tiong emphasised the necessity of such significant investments for the long-term sustainability of the port's operations.
“We are committed to upholding the reputation and image of the Labuan Liberty Port, and compliance with international port standards is essential to ensure the port's recognition as a safe and reliable maritime hub," he said in an interview with Bernama today.
Monday, April 1, 2024 would mark MPM's fourth anniversary as Labuan's containerised port operator, underscoring the company's resilience amid economic challenges.
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Despite the slowdown in cargo volume, Tiong is optimistic about governmental support to revitalise port activities.
During her visit to the port today, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa reiterated that Labuan has been exempted from the cabotage policy by the Ministry of Transport, enabling international vessels to call at the port directly.
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The port's enhanced performance has garnered praise from various stakeholders, including the Labuan Freight Forwarders Association.
Tiong emphasised that MPM remains committed to enhancing container handling speed and performance to meet the evolving needs of Labuan's economy and port users.
Notably, the cargo handling speed and performance at the port has seen a steady improvement, from 18 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per hour to 25 TEUs per hour.
“We are dedicated to demonstrating our capability to the government and stakeholders, ensuring the sustained growth of Labuan's maritime sector," he said.
He added that the upgrades signify a significant milestone in Labuan's efforts to strengthen its position as a maritime gateway, aligning with broader initiatives to bolster the island's economic resilience and competitiveness.
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