Transport Minister Anthony Loke directs ports to gear up for potential container diversions due to Red Sea disruptions, aiming to prevent congestion.

PORT KLANG: All Malaysian ports must prepare to handle additional containers potentially delayed by geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said proactive measures are essential to prevent port yard congestion and disruptions.

“Port Klang and other ports in the country must be ready to receive and handle additional containers that may be held up at other ports,” Loke stated.

He revealed the Ministry of Transport has held meetings with major port operators and authorities to ensure readiness.

Loke suggested local ports could capitalise on the situation to increase cargo handling normally routed through Middle Eastern hubs.

He has directed that empty containers be moved directly to off-port depots instead of occupying port yard space.

The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) is instructed to ensure these depots operate 24 hours in line with port schedules.

Meanwhile, Port Klang recorded a historic container throughput of 15.14 million TEUs in 2025.

This represents a 3.4% increase from 2024 and is the port’s highest volume since operations began in 1973.

Port Klang is targeting a further 1.5% increase to 15.37 million TEUs this year.

Loke said this target is realistic, supported by positive economic growth and infrastructure development.

In a separate development, the Cabinet recently approved the development of a third terminal at Port Klang in Pulau Carey.

The Selangor state government will lead the development, establishing a special purpose vehicle with private partners.

The Ministry of Transport will act as the regulator for the project.

Loke added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the need for speed on this crucial project.

The terminal aims to strengthen the national economy and enhance Malaysia’s international port competitiveness.

 The Sun Malaysia