PTP celebrates female workforce during IWD 2021

Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) and Dutch company APM Terminals launched the PTP Female Employee Referral Programme in conjunction with the recent International Women’s Day (IWD) 2021.

The launch was officiated by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun.
Rina said her ministry acknowledged PTP’s efforts and contributions in developing the surrounding community, especially for women empowerment.

“The port sector, which was once known to be a male-dominated industry, has progressively increased the presence of women at its workplace to adapt to modern times.

“As such, the ministry will continue to work closely with its stakeholders for the benefit of Malaysia’s port and maritime sector,” she said.

Rina added that the female staff at PTP are examples of how women continuously challenge the boundaries by not only sitting behind the desk, but actively involved in port operations.

“Since its inception in 2000, PTP has always been at the forefront of progressiveness and inclusivity, by diversifying the leadership and investing in development programmes and on-the-job experience to accelerate career progression,” she said.
The PTP Female Employee Referral Programme was unveiled with a new fleet of pink prime movers, which PTP CEO Marco Neelson said represents the port’s icon to champion female recruitment initiative, as well as the progress and excellence that the female workforce has contributed to the growth and sustainability of PTP.

Neelson said the aim of the PTP Female Employee Referral Programme is to entice more female talents to join the PTP workforce.

“Under the scheme, a special monetary incentive is offered to all PTP employees who introduce potential female candidates to the company, as well as its subsidiary, Manpower Excellence Sdn Bhd, resulting in a successful placement of the applicant,” he said.

PTP, a joint venture between MMC Corp Bhd and APM Terminals, is also actively working on other talent enrichment initiatives via academia collaboration with Young Engineer Apprenticeship Programme, and Port Operational Planning Apprenticeship Programme apart from these two initiatives.

“We were also actively involved in industry collaborations such as the Female Terminal Equipment Operator Fast Track Upskilling Programme and Talent Exchange Programme,” Neelson added.

Also in attendance was Johor State Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Zaiton Ismail; Johor State Investment, Entrepreneur, Cooperative and Human Resource Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Izhar Ahmad; and other federal and state government officials.

PTP was the first port to hire a female marine harbour pilot to navigate mega vessels in and out of the port.
Other women employees at PTP are also involved with the operating of heavy machineries, maintaining equipment.