LPA, MIMA Ink MoU To Strengthen Maritime Cooperation

By Jailani Hasan

LABUAN, May 4 (Bernama) -- The Labuan Port Authority (LPA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) to strengthen cooperation, knowledge sharing and strategic collaboration in the maritime sector.

LPA general manager Mizool Amir Mat Drus said the MoU, which was signed at MIMA’s office here today, would open up opportunities for both parties to exchange experience, expertise, information and research input related to port and maritime development.

He said the collaboration marked an important step toward building synergy between LPA and MIMA, particularly as LPA prepares to develop the Labuan Port Development Master Plan 2027-2037.

“The MoU will serve as a platform for LPA and MIMA to work closely in areas involving maritime knowledge, policy input, technical expertise and industry experience.

“This cooperation is timely as LPA is now working towards establishing the Labuan Port Development Master Plan 2027-2037, which is expected to become a catalyst for Labuan’s future economic growth,” he told Bernama.

Mizool said the proposed master plan would provide a long-term direction for the development of Labuan Port, taking into account the island’s strategic position, maritime potential, offshore oil and gas activities, logistics needs and its role as an international business and financial centre.

He said MIMA’s experience as a national maritime policy research institute would add value to LPA’s planning, particularly in ensuring that research, industry trends and sustainable maritime practices guide Labuan’s port development.

MIMA, established in 1993, is a policy research institute set up by the Malaysian government to look into Malaysia’s interests at sea and to serve as a national focal point for research in the maritime sector. 

Mizool said the partnership would also support LPA’s efforts to enhance Labuan Port’s competitiveness, strengthen maritime governance and improve its role as an efficient gateway for trade, logistics and maritime services.

He said Labuan Port’s development must be aligned with future demand, particularly in supporting the offshore oil and gas industry, regional shipping activities, cargo movement and broader economic development on the island.

“The master plan is not merely about port infrastructure, but also about positioning Labuan Port as a key enabler of economic progress for Labuan in the next decade,” he said.

Mizzol said Labuan Port plays an important role as a maritime and logistics gateway for the island, with port operations supporting cargo handling, shipping coordination and offshore-related activities. 

-- BERNAMA