SEPANG: The China-Malaysia Port Alliance (CMPA) should continue to evolve into a “living laboratory for innovation” to advance smart port technologies, automation and green energy initiatives, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said.
He said closer collaboration among member ports from both countries would accelerate digitalisation, enhance operational efficiency and support the transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable maritime ecosystem.
“By working together, we can accelerate digitalisation, enhance operational efficiency and support the transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable port ecosystem,” he said in his keynote address at the 6th CMPA Annual Meeting here today.
Hasbi said that since its establishment in 2015, the CMPA has grown into a dynamic network comprising 24 member ports, nine from Malaysia and 15 from China, serving as an important platform for dialogue, business networking and technical cooperation.
“Over the past decade, the CMPA has allowed our ports to learn from each other and jointly strengthen maritime connectivity, paving the way for deeper collaboration in technology, logistics and green port initiatives,” he added.
He said the CMPA’s progress reflects the enduring strength of Malaysia-China relations, which celebrated its 51st anniversary this year, built upon mutual trust, respect and shared prosperity.
In 2024, trade between the two countries reached RM484 billion, accounting for 16.8% of Malaysia’s total trade, with China remaining Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, he said.
Hasbi also highlighted Malaysia’s own progress in maritime development, noting that Port Klang handled 14.64 million TEUs in 2024, ranking 10th globally, while the Port of Tanjung Pelepas recorded 12.25 million TEUs to place 15ᵗʰ worldwide.
On the East Coast, Kuantan Port is on track to achieve a throughput of 50 million tonnes annually, while Bintulu, Sabah and Kuching ports continue to support regional industries and niche cargo handling, he said.
“These milestones reflect not only the operational strength of our ports but also Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity under the National Transport Policy 2019-2030 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap,” Hasbi said.
He added that the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, would enhance cargo connectivity between Port Klang and Kuantan Port, significantly reducing transit time and logistics costs while positioning Malaysia as a key logistics and transshipment hub.
The CMPA Annual Meeting this year is held in conjunction with Transport Expo Asia 2025, which begins today at the same venue. The expo serves as a premier regional platform to showcase innovation across the maritime, aviation and land transport sectors, with a special focus on green logistics, digital mobility and future-ready infrastructure.
In addition, two dedicated sessions, the Port Digital Transformation Forum and the China-Malaysia Cruise Industry Cooperation Forum, took place yesterday as part of the CMPA meeting agenda. – Bernama
