Johor state executive councillor Tan Kok Hong is urging small- and medium-sized industries based in the southern Malaysian state to transport their goods to overseas markets via the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP).This he claimed would help SMIs reduce export costs as he noted the port is located closer to their operational bases and more international ship lines are calling at PTP nowadays, including Maersk Line, Bernama reports. In a recent speech delivered at a seminar organised by the SMI Association of South Johor at the Johor Baru Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Mr Tan said many SMIs still use Singapore or Malaysian ports, like Port Klang and Pasir Gudang, to export goods.
"If you believe that using Port Klang has been costly, then you should look nearer to PTP as more ships are going there these days," said Mr Tan. The Malaysian national news agency said that the councillor learnt from some SMIs that they could save up to US$200 per trip by relocating to PTP from Singapore. Mr Tan also urged SMIs based in Johor to embrace the opportunities presented by China's rapid global trade growth by focussing more on doing business with what has become the world's factory.
"If you believe that using Port Klang has been costly, then you should look nearer to PTP as more ships are going there these days," said Mr Tan. The Malaysian national news agency said that the councillor learnt from some SMIs that they could save up to US$200 per trip by relocating to PTP from Singapore. Mr Tan also urged SMIs based in Johor to embrace the opportunities presented by China's rapid global trade growth by focussing more on doing business with what has become the world's factory.
The report added that PTP is on track to achieving its target of handling four million TEU of containerised cargo by the end of 2006, which means it would overtake Port Klang as the busiest port in Malaysia.