SEPANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for Malaysia's logistics ecosystem to be further strengthened, emphasising the need for not only enhanced infrastructure but also improved skill development among workers in the sector.
He said the government's current focus is on industrialisation, digitalisation, energy transition, and semiconductors, which will certainly require top-notch logistics ecosystem facilities and services.
Anwar added that when investors come into the country, whether to Selangor, Johor, Kulim Hi-Tech, Sabah, or Sarawak, they will look at the capability of the overall ecosystem.
Therefore, he wants the Ministry of Transport, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Immigration Department, and logistics-related companies to pay greater attention to this field, considering the rapid pace of change, as any slowdown in national mechanisms would certainly leave Malaysia behind.
"When we talk about the logistics ecosystem, it's not just about DHL. This includes all our partners involved, whether it's MAHB, the Ministry of Transport, Customs, Immigration, and all infrastructure and logistics elements."
"Otherwise, it wouldn't be called an ecosystem. The ecosystem is expanding, not only in terms of infrastructure facilities but also by providing training and attention to make it a center of excellence, and by training workers and young people focused on this field," he said in his speech at the launch of the new DHL Express Kuala Lumpur Gateway today.
Anwar also proposed that DHL Express pay special attention to enhancing worker skills through a center of excellence.
He recommended that the training provided go beyond basic skills.
"Skills enhancement is essential as we are now focusing on automation, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence (AI). "I believe that DHL, as a major company, can empower young people in this field," he said.
DHL Express today launched an expanded Kuala Lumpur Gateway to support the rapidly growing import and export activities in Malaysia, in line with the increase in international trade.
Also present in the event were Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Ministry of Transport secretary-general Datuk Jana Santhiran Miniayan, DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei managing director Julian Neo, and DHL Express chief executive officer for Asia Pacific Ken Lee.