KLANG: Malaysia's port-related infrastructure and ecosystem must be strengthened to allow the country to remain globally competitive.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this was critical to accelerate and drive economic as well as investment growth in Malaysia.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said efforts to boost the infrastructure of the country's main ports were also among the government's priorities, following congestion currently experienced at several ports, including Port Klang and Penang Port.
"We are facing a dynamic region with fierce competition (in today's world). Hence, the role of these ports is critical in driving growth (of the economy).
"Even small successes are considered impressive and if we are slow, we will be left behind.
"Hence, the existing ecosystem and infrastructure need to be further strengthened," he said at the Westport 2 groundbreaking here today.
Present were the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shari and Westport Holdings Bhd executive chairman Datuk Ruben Emir Gnanalingam Abdullah.
Anwar, at the same time, said the enhancement of Malaysia's ports had been raised several times during cabinet meetings.
"The government has also requested that all port-related matters be expedited, as we do not want the country to fall behind due to administrative processes."
Regarding the development of Westports 2, Anwar said the establishment of the port was timely to alleviate congestion issues at Port Klang.
He added that Westports' capacity as a globally recognised logistics hub would continue to grow with the opening of a new terminal at Westports 2.
"When I was finance minister in 1994, I visited Westports to observe the early construction works, and I could see its capacity and potential to become a major port in the country.
"With this in mind, I believe that the development of this new infrastructure is beyond question, and the government will provide full support to ensure the success of this port expansion project."
On a separate matter, the prime minister also urged the management of Westports to boost employees' wages in line with the company's productivity and financial performance.
Anwar added that issues relating to employees' welfare should be prioritised, as the company's success was due to the hard work and dedication of its workforce.
"While workers are treated well, I would also like to call on the company to raise employees' wages, and we must not forget their wellbeing and welfare, such as their children's education and housing needs," he said.