Malaysia talking to China about possible Port Klang expansion

Discussions are ongoing between Malaysia and China over the possibility of port expansion plans, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke today.

He said the government had identified Port Klang as its focus for expansion, given its status as the country's primary port.

"This is still in discussion. Our focus is on Port Klang. It is our country's main port and there is a need to increase its capacity as it has a large potential," said Loke.

Port Klang is located strategically in the middle of the Straits of Melaka and is currently ranked the world’s 12th best container port.

"We are working to develop Port Klang as the premier port not only in Malaysia, but also in the South East Asian region.”

"That is why we welcome any parties that wants to work together with us to expand our ports," he told a press conference in Putrajaya after launching a Road Safety Module for primary school children.

He said last October that the government was looking at introducing a single agency to handle the cargo management system of the entire port, thus improving its efficiency.

During his courtesy visit to China's Transport Minister Li Xiaopeng in Beijing last month, Loke said he met several key port industry players.

He invited them to consider participating and investing in various upcoming port expansion projects, particularly in Port Klang.