KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's first smart artificial intelligence (AI) container port in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, is poised to revolutionise both the state's and the country's economic horizons.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun underscored that the container port represents not only a developmental endeavor but a transformative leap toward reshaping Negeri Sembilan's and Malaysia's economic landscape.
He anticipates that the container port will not only fortify existing industrial hubs within the state but also pave the way for increased job opportunities.
Additionally, it is expected to enhance land values and stimulate the emergence of new industrial districts, thus attracting both domestic and international investments, he said in a statement.
"We are setting the foundation for future generations, ensuring Negeri Sembilan plays a crucial role in both the state's and nation's economic growth and global maritime logistics," he said in a statement.
Tanco Holdings Bhd and the Negeri Sembilan government have joined forces to spearhead the development of the container port, which has received approval from the Ministry of Transport.
The company's 79 per cent-owned subsidiary Midports Holdings Sdn Bhd (MHSB) and Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan (Pemerbadanan) (MBINS), have entered into a joint venture (JV) to develop the container port, which includes an additional 33.66 hectares of seabed land submerged off Dickson Bay.
The signing ceremony was graced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Aminuddin.
Under the agreement, MHSB and MBINS will establish an 80:20 joint venture company (JVC) to serve as the cornerstone for the project's advancement.
Tanco will maintain the port on its 480-acre landbank, removing the need for further land purchase costs.
The site is located at the midway point of the Straits of Melaka, one of the busiest straits in the world, and positions Negeri Sembilan to capitalise on this bustling maritime route.
Datuk Sri Andrew Tan, group managing director of Tanco, and foreign industrialists have been invited to the port's location, and groundwork has already begun.
He said that they have shown support and interest in the possible building of a new industrial park(s) near the port.
Tan added that Tanco intends to list MHSB on the local stock exchange in response to strong demand from a number of groups and to facilitate the construction of the port.