Meanwhile, Malaysia is also needed to build another port to cope with the increasing shipment needs in this region.

He added that the development of Johor Port has reached to its maximum as the super mega Panama Cargo can hardly enter the Strait of Johor. And in order to enter the Pasir Gudang Port, it needs to pass through the Singapore's territory. This has created major problems.

He added that PTP has a deep wharf and this can solve the above problem. Besides, its strategic location, lower operation costs will be and high quality of service will have a competitive edge compared with Singapore port.

A healthy competition with the neighbouring ports will be able to increase the cargo shipment which in turns brings mutual benefits to both countries.

He also indicated that a high-tech port will be more competitive than a low tech port. But if both ports has the same technology, then efficiency will become the main factor.

He believed that PTP will attract international shipment teams. Because PTP not only provides competitive rates but also can offer great discount to the long term users.

He cited an example that PTP can provide contracting work for the loading and unloading service to them. Or they can choose to have their own contract workers.

Mohd Sidik added that all the employees of PTP have their respective functions and they will need to sacrifice as they know that the Singapore Port is currently No 1.

"Johor is a success story because it is near to Singapore and we have to learn from Singapore", added Sidik.

Sidik also added that the advantages of PTP include competitive rates, a strategic location, proximity to international waters and linkages to a vast and bustling hinterland which can fulfil the needs of 21st century in the maritime industry. Besides due to its strategic location ie on the Southern of the Straits Of Malacca, it will be easier to enter the PTP than Singapore's Port.

He added that PTP provides an alternative to ships and it does not compete directly with the Johor Port. As PTP will handle only the transhipment of cargo.

"We need to have the best facility and infrastructure in order to be a world class port" Sidik added.

On January 2000, 2 berths will be operational. And another 2 berths will take place in the Mid of January 2000. The final 2 berths are expected to be operational by Year 2001.

To position ourselves, we must have something significant to offer and that accounts for the size of the port and land encompassing 800 hectares (1,935 acres) just for phase one. The surrounding are will have 2000 hectares of vacant land. And within the 10km radius from the port, there is still 4000 hectares of land available.

There will be other related industry located nearby and also commercial areas, financial institutions and residential areas.

The entire development plan of PTP include a satellite city plan. With this satellite city, even the nearby villages can also obtain basic infrastructural facility . This will increase their standard of living.

We do not hope that there will be imbalanced development. With across the border, there is rapid development but here we are an under developed villages. And Johor state will definitely not like development to be concentrated in an area. As PTP will be able to benefit the surrounding areas too.

He mentioned that PTP value long term projects. He also believed that our economy will be getting better with 1999 GDP to be 1%.

"With the Second Link connecting with Malaysia and Singapore, PTP will have a good future by then," said Sidik.

"When the port corporatisation project was implemented in 1995/6, Malaysian government has realised there will be competitiveness among the ports. Especially when each port will extend its respective competitve edge to outperform others." added Sidik.

With regard to the operation of the port, Sidik added that they will need a positive working attitude. The employees must not only have professional skills, but also should have discipline too.