LPA Backs MPM’s Move To Position Labuan Port For International Cruise Handling

By Jailani Hasan

LABUAN, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Labuan Port Authority (LPA) is backing Labuan’s containerised port operator Megah Port Management Sdn Bhd (MPM) in its move to diversify its operations from core cargo handling activities to the handling of international cruise liners.

LPA general manager Mizool Amir Mat Drus said the initiative was in line with the Transport Ministry’s agenda to transform existing ports in the country into potential homeports for cruise ships.

He said this to delegates from the Kemaman Port Authority and Kuantan Port Authority during their working visit to Labuan Port today.

He said Labuan Port has the potential to support cruise operations, provided that the necessary upgrades and improvements are carried out to meet the requirements of international cruise liners.

“The LPA will facilitate efforts by MPM to attract more cruise ships to Labuan and support the broader aspiration of making Malaysia a homeport for cruise tourism,” he said.

Mizool said the move could bring significant economic benefits to Labuan as most cruise ships currently only make short stopovers for a few hours before continuing their journey.

He said positioning Labuan as part of the international cruise route and eventually as a homeport would help generate greater spillover effects for the local economy, particularly in tourism, retail, transport and related service sectors.

Mizool also said the ageing Labuan port terminal jetty would be repaired following approval of an allocation by the Transport Ministry.

“The repair works are important to strengthen the port’s readiness and ensure that its facilities are able to support future growth, including cruise-related activities,” he said.

MPM currently operates Labuan Port under the supervision of the LPA and has been seeking to diversify its business operations beyond conventional cargo handling.

-- BERNAMA