The ever increasing efficiency of the PTP and its links with all the world’s major ports has enabled it to handle the increasing number of container, he said.

 

“The PTP has proved it is efficient and because of this the world’s biggest shipping company Maersk Sealand has chosen to set up its home in PTP and more will come,” Ling said.

 

He commended the PTP administration for aggressively introducing its facilities to the industrial and trading community, the 90-odd small-and medium scale industries as well as to the Malaysian Institute of Purchasing and Material Management (MIPMM).

 

Speaking to PTP staff, Ling said more than 90% of world trade was conducted via ports which were thus an important component of international trade.

 

Ling said Malaysia’s ports have expanded rapidly in tandem with national economic growth and has achieved the handling capacity of 180,000 transshipment boxes a month compared with only 10,000 containers a year about six or seven years ago.

 

“Port Klang and the PTP handle 3.8 million containers a year,” he said.

 

Ling urged all Malaysian exporters and importers to fully use Malaysian ports. He said that not long ago containers arriving via Malaysian ports took five days to reach their destinations but now in view of more efficient clearing and handling operations they only took five hours.

 

Meanwhile, the Johor Selatan Small and Medium Industries Association chairman The Kee Sin said currently an increasing number of companies are focusing on cutting costs and one way of doing it was by using local port like PTP.

 

“PTP can assist manufacturers to curb the soaring costs in view of the attractive and comprehensive packages offered by the port,” he said, admitting many operators have yet to take full advantage of port.