Loke urges Malaysian ports to speed up green transition with electric terminal trucks

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook symbolically charges an electric lorry during the launch of an electric-powered terminal truck fleet aimed at reducing carbon emissions at Wisma PTP in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, on October 8, 2026. — Bernama pic

By Ben Tan

First Published: Thursday, 08 Oct 2026 2:36 PM MYT

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Oct 8 — Domestic port operators have been urged to accelerate their decarbonisation initiatives, including the adoption of electric terminal trucks (e-prime movers) for port operations, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said the shift towards greener practices aligns with Malaysia’s commitment under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“Carbon reduction efforts at the port’s operational level must keep pace with the global shipping industry's transition, which is currently exploring the use of alternative fuels such as methanol, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ammonia

“The use of electric-powered machinery, such as the e-prime movers implemented by the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), aligns with that objective.

“With that, I am confident that other port operators will follow suit. However, it still remains at the discretion of the port operators, as it involves investment and new assets on their part,” he told reporters after launching an electric terminal truck fleet at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas here today.

Also present were Johor Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh and PTP chief executive officer Mark Hardiman.

Loke said greater compliance with environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards would enable local ports to operate more responsibly while maintaining their competitiveness and strengthening their position in the global shipping industry.

“The Transport Ministry is committed to establishing policies and regulatory framework to support this green initiatives.

“We are also collaborating with the Australian government to formulate regulations regarding the supply of green fuel and to fine-tune standard operating procedures (SOPs) at ports,” he said.

He added that the transition to electric-powered machinery would also require supporting infrastructure, including charging stations and new safety protocols, to ensure smooth terminal operations.

Meanwhile, Loke commended the consolidation of PTP and Pasir Gudang Port under the ‘Johor Port’ brand, which he said had helped the combined port operations achieve a ranking of 11th among the world’s busiest ports.

He said Johor’s port facilities, comprising PTP and Pasir Gudang Port, handled more than 14 million containers annually.

“This achievement propelled its ranking to 11th place among the world’s busiest ports, placing it just behind Port Klang, which currently holds the 10th spot.

“PTP possesses immense potential to be developed into the nation’s largest green bunkering and transhipment hub.

“We hope this initiative will attract further investment and stimulate economic activity in the areas surrounding Tanjung Pelepas,” he said. — Bernama pic