CMPA Should Serve As ‘Living Lab’ For Smart And Green Port Innovation – Hasbi
SEPANG, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The China–Malaysia Port Alliance (CMPA) should continue to evolve into a ‘living laboratory for innovation’ to advance smart port technologies, automation and green energy initiatives, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said.
He said closer collaboration among member ports from both countries would accelerate digitalisation, enhance operational efficiency and support the transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable maritime ecosystem.
“By working together, we can accelerate digitalisation, enhance operational efficiency and support the transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable port ecosystem,” he said in his keynote address at the 6th CMPA Annual Meeting here today.
Hasbi said that since its establishment in 2015, the CMPA has grown into a dynamic network comprising 24 member ports, nine from Malaysia and 15 from China, serving as an important platform for dialogue, business networking and technical cooperation.
“Over the past decade, the CMPA has allowed our ports to learn from each other and jointly strengthen maritime connectivity, paving the way for deeper collaboration in technology, logistics and green port initiatives,” he added.
He said the CMPA’s progress reflects the enduring strength of Malaysia–China relations, which celebrated its 51st anniversary this year, built upon mutual trust, respect and shared prosperity.
In 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries reached RM484 billion, accounting for 16.8 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade, with China remaining Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, he said.
Hasbi said the partnership between Malaysia and China reached new heights following President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia in April 2025, where both nations agreed to build a high-level strategic Malaysia-China community with a shared future
He said the collaboration was further strengthened during Premier Li Qiang’s visit in October this year for the 47ᵗʰ ASEAN Summit, which saw the signing of the upgraded ASEAN–China Free Trade Area 3.0 (ACFTA 3.0).
“Premier Li’s remarks that ‘pursuing confrontation instead of solidarity brings no benefit’ truly resonated with our shared aspiration to promote cooperation over protectionism,” he said.
He said ACFTA 3.0, covering a combined market of over two billion people, opens new opportunities in trade, investment, the digital economy and green growth, aligning with the CMPA’s objectives to promote sustainable and future-ready ports.
He also highlighted Malaysia’s own progress in maritime development, noting that Port Klang handled 14.64 million TEUs in 2024, ranking 10th globally, while the Port of Tanjung Pelepas recorded 12.25 million TEUs to place 15ᵗʰ worldwide.
On the east coast, Kuantan Port is on track to achieve a throughput of 50 million tonnes annually, while Bintulu, Sabah and Kuching ports continue to support regional industries and niche cargo handling, he said.
“These milestones reflect not only the operational strength of our ports but also Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity under the National Transport Policy 2019–2030 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR),” he said.
He added that the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, would further enhance cargo connectivity between Port Klang and Kuantan Port, significantly reducing transit time and logistics costs while positioning Malaysia as a key logistics and transshipment hub.
The CMPA Annual Meeting this year is held in conjunction with Transport Expo Asia (TXA) 2025, which begins tomorrow at the same venue.
TXA 2025 serves as a premier regional platform to showcase innovation across the maritime, aviation and land transport sectors, with a special focus on green logistics, digital mobility and future-ready infrastructure.
In addition, two dedicated sessions, the Port Digital Transformation Forum and the China–Malaysia Cruise Industry Cooperation Forum, will take place later today as part of the CMPA meeting agenda.
“These forums offer valuable opportunities for us to share insights, exchange best practices and strengthen partnerships in both the digital and cruise sectors,” he said.
“I am confident these discussions will deepen our mutual understanding and open new avenues of collaboration, said Hasbi.
Hasbi also commended the CMPA Secretariat and participating ports for their continued efforts to sustain knowledge exchange and innovation under the Belt and Road Initiative, saying Malaysia remains committed to fostering an ecosystem that supports smart port development and sustainable maritime growth.
“As we look ahead, Malaysia is determined to foster a maritime sector that is not only competitive but also future-ready, one that champions sustainability, digitalisation and inclusivity,” he concluded.
-- BERNAMA
