Malaysian port handles 100,000 TEUs in four months

The Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin International Trade Free Zone - Perlis Inland Clearance Depot (PIP) has demonstrated impressive growth, recording the handling of 100,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in just over four months, from April to August 20.

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir stated that this accomplishment signifies PIP's rapid development as a crucial component of the nation's logistics infrastructure and a driver for the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER). The first phase of PIP's infrastructure is designed to handle up to 300,000 TEUs annually. Operations are gradually shifting from the Padang Besar Container Terminal to PIP to manage the increasing cargo movement from southern Thailand and the wider ASEAN region.

"This achievement of 100,000 TEUs in just 4.5 months shows the great potential of PIP as a strategic gateway for cross-border trade," Akmal said during a visit to PIP. He anticipates that PIP could reach 180,000 TEUs by the end of the year. The government's priority is to transform Perlis's advantageous location into more competitive logistics costs, high-value investments, and enhanced economic opportunities for its people.

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This achievement of 100,000 TEUs in just 4.5 months shows the great potential of PIP as a strategic gateway for cross-border trade.

Furthermore, PIP's connectivity with Penang Port and the Belawan New Container Terminal (BNCT) in Indonesia establishes a 388-kilometer logistics corridor linking Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. This corridor is expected to reduce transit costs and times for goods compared to conventional routes, strengthening regional supply chain connectivity. PIP's strategic position also supports Malaysia's efforts to attract high-value investments under the China+1 supply chain strategy by offering competitive access to ASEAN and the Greater Mekong Subregion markets.

The development project is a public-private collaboration, with Mutiara Perlis as the developer and operator. The federal government has provided RM327 million in infrastructure funding through the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) for the construction of a bonded road, flyover, and railway spur line. This project has also generated employment opportunities, with approximately 63% of service contractors being local residents from Perlis and Kedah, ensuring that economic benefits and job growth are shared within the region.

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The government's priority is to transform Perlis's advantageous location into more competitive logistics costs, high-value investments, and enhanced economic opportunities for its people.