Malaysia leverages strategic location and strong industrial base to become a leading maritime MRO hub, backed by government policy and competitive advantages.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has a strong and competitive foundation to become a major ship maintenance, repair and overhaul hub in ASEAN.
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry said clear policy support, competitive incentives, and well-planned port infrastructure will ensure the industry’s growth.
It said the industry can attract high-quality investments and generate high-skilled employment opportunities.
“The government is fully aware of the great potential of the shipbuilding and ship repair industry, particularly in the area of shipping MRO, as a key driver of the country’s maritime economic development,” MITI said in a written parliamentary reply.
It highlighted Malaysia’s strategic location along the world’s busiest trade routes as a natural creator of high demand for maritime MRO services.
The ministry was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari on the strategy to enhance the maritime industry’s capacity.
MITI said Malaysia offers competitive operating costs, larger shipyard space, and targeted government incentives to enhance technological capabilities.
This makes the country an attractive regional alternative for maritime MRO services.
The growth of the global ship repair market alongside expanding maritime trade presents further opportunities for local shipyards.
These yards can strengthen services for commercial vessels, tankers, container ships, and offshore support vessels.
Malaysia currently has 110 registered shipyards and at least 40 local marine equipment manufacturers.
This demonstrates a broad infrastructure base to support domestic and regional MRO supply chains.
