Pelepas, West Port to gain from govt fund

The Malaysian ports of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) and Port Klang's West Port are to benefit from a government fund aimed at improving port infrastructure. Malaysian Prime Minster Dr Mahathir Mohamed announced last week that both ports had been included in the government's fiscal stimulus plan totalling RM3 billion (S$1.43 billion) aimed at cushioning the country's economy against any adverse effects of a US slowdown. Although the amount dedicated to the ports was not disclosed, the money will be reportedly spent on bridges, berths, roads, container yard expansion and dredging. Commenting on the funding, PTP's chief executive officer Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman said: "The government recognises the importance of the port sector as pivotal to various beneficial downstream economic activity. This knock-down effect will see the creation of jobs and investment in industrial and manufacturing centres and the port sector will drive the economy forward." Meanwhile, PTP is aiming to nearly double its work force to 1,200 by year-end and increase its efficiency as it gears up to handle the extra 2 million TEUs (20-ft equivalent units) that Maersk Sealand's shift from Singapore will bring it annually.