SEPANG: DHL Express has launched its expanded fully automated sorting system gateway to support the rapidly growing import and export activities in Malaysia, in line with the increase in international trade.
The new RM300 million (EUR60 million) facility represents the company's largest local investment to date, and forms part of its strategy to bolster intra-Asia connectivity.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this year, Malaysia has seen a notable rise in investor interest, which is very encouraging.
However, he underscored the vital role of the Ministry of Transportation (MoT) in strengthening our logistics ecosystem.
"Beyond facilitating operations, there is a need to prioritise training and development to make our logistics sector a business hub, one that also prepares a skilled workforce for the future," he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the new DHL Express Kuala Lumpur Gateway here today.
Meanwhile, DHL Express chief executive officer for Asia Pacific Ken Lee said the company is on a well-planned track to continuously strengthen its network in robust economies.
"We see rapidly rising cargo volumes in Malaysia, which also shows massive potential for a sustained uptrend, as the country emerges as a preferred omni-sourcing destination. "The Kuala Lumpur Gateway enables our customers to better leverage import and export opportunities, especially via the facility's busiest trade lanes including the United States, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom," he noted.
Standing at 13,422 square metres, the enhanced Kuala Lumpur Gateway is three times the size of its previous premise.
It is also the first of its kind in Southeast Asia equipped with a fully automated sorting system.
Combining the two kilometre-long conveyor belt and high-speed scanning system allows inbound and outbound shipments to be processed four times as fast, and achieve a peak throughput of 10,000 shipment pieces per hour.
This translates to accelerated transit times and shorter delivery windows.
Connected by two dedicated aircraft to DHL's Central Asia and South Asia Hubs, the Kuala Lumpur Gateway is a pivotal link for facilitating the smooth movement of goods between the Klang Valley and overseas markets.
Located at the KLIA Air Cargo Terminal 1 (KACT1), the Kuala Lumpur Gateway is one of five similar facilities in DHL Express Malaysia's aviation and ground network.
This includes 20 service centres, about 170 retail points of sale, more than 300 pick-up and delivery vehicles, over 60 weekly flights, four dedicated aircrafts, and a 1,300-strong workforce.