Deputy Transport Minister calls for China-Malaysia Port Alliance to serve as innovation lab for smart technologies and sustainable maritime development
SEPANG: The China-Malaysia Port Alliance should evolve into a living laboratory for innovation to advance smart port technologies and green energy initiatives.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said closer collaboration among member ports would accelerate digitalisation and support sustainable maritime development.
“By working together, we can accelerate digitalisation, enhance operational efficiency and support the transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable port ecosystem,” he said at the 6th CMPA Annual Meeting.
The alliance has grown to 24 member ports since its 2015 establishment, with nine from Malaysia and 15 from China.
Hasbi noted the CMPA has strengthened maritime connectivity and enabled technology sharing over the past decade.
Bilateral trade between Malaysia and China reached RM484 billion in 2024, accounting for 16.8% of Malaysia’s total trade.
China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.
The partnership advanced following President Xi Jinping’s state visit in April 2025 and Premier Li Qiang’s October visit for the ASEAN Summit.
The upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 covers a combined market of over two billion people.
Malaysia’s port performance remains strong, with Port Klang handling 14.64 million TEUs in 2024.
Port of Tanjung Pelepas recorded 12.25 million TEUs, while Kuantan Port targets 50 million tonnes annually.
The East Coast Rail Link project, scheduled for 2026 completion, will enhance cargo connectivity between Port Klang and Kuantan Port.
This year’s CMPA meeting coincides with Transport Expo Asia 2025, beginning tomorrow at the same venue.
Dedicated sessions include the Port Digital Transformation Forum and China-Malaysia Cruise Industry Cooperation Forum.
Hasbi commended the CMPA Secretariat for sustaining knowledge exchange under the Belt and Road Initiative.
“Malaysia is determined to foster a maritime sector that is not only competitive but also future-ready,” he concluded. – Bernama
