Port Klang steps up push to strengthen global port competitiveness

KUALA LUMPUR: Port Klang is focusing on infrastructure development, improved connectivity and cost efficiency to enhance its competitiveness as one of the region's major trade and logistics hubs.

Port Klang Authority general manager Datuk Captain K. Subramaniam said the port had evolved over the years and was now the 10th busiest container port in the world, following decades of infrastructure development and efforts to meet market demands, especially from shipping lines, exporters and importers.

"While the port infrastructure is something that we are responsible for, the port can only do well if the supporting infrastructure is also in place, especially when you are talking about road systems, rail, and trucking services.

"So that is the part that we are working very closely with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) now to improve road conditions leading into the port," he said, adding that the port has also contributed to maintaining some of the public roads around the port.

Subramaniam said in an interview with Bernama Mobile Studio that the port is committed to serving both its users and the nation, while actively supporting the neighbouring community.

Cost efficiency is another key consideration, particularly as ports across the region continue to develop to facilitate trade and attract investment.

He added that Port Klang had been able to maintain efficient port and transport services, with port charges remaining relatively lower than those of neighbouring ports.

However, rising living costs, inflation and external factors, particularly higher fuel prices, continued to pose challenges to efforts to keep costs under control.

"How do we keep these things under control? This is a challenge. And the government is playing a major role in helping some of the industries keep their costs down," he said.

DIGITALISATION IMPROVES PORT EFFICIENCY

Subramaniam said digitalisation had played a major role in improving Port Klang's operational efficiency, reducing paperwork and speeding up processes.

"If you look at our operations some 30 years ago, a lot of manual operations were taking place. We were dealing with a lot of documents, hard copies coming through," he said.

He said digitalisation had enabled data to be exchanged seamlessly among different parties, eliminating the need to submit the same information repeatedly.

"Today, we can send data to multiple parties all at once. As long as you're authorised and have the right credentials, we'll make sure you get it, saving you a lot of time," he said.

He added that automation had also accelerated processing, with systems now able to process data and approve most transactions.

He said Port Klang's efficiency had improved over the years, but the port would continue to enhance its operations in line with rapid technological advancements.

"We need to keep up with the technology. But one issue you always hear about is cybersecurity. So, we need to keep an eye on that as well," he said, adding that cybersecurity remained a concern amid ongoing digitalisation.