Kemaman, Kuantan, Labuan Port Authorities To Propose TVET Programmes For Port Sector

By Jailani Hasan

LABUAN, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Kemaman Port Authority, Kuantan Port Authority and Labuan Port Authority (LPA) are looking to collaborate on a recommendation paper to the Deputy Prime Minister to expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes related to the maritime and port sectors.

Kemaman Port Authority chairman Datuk Azan Ismail said the proposal would focus on creating more structured opportunities for local youths to gain skills, exposure and career pathways in port operations, logistics, cargo handling, marine services and other related fields.

He said the port sector should not be seen as an exclusive industry limited to certain categories of people, but should instead be opened up to more young Malaysians, especially these from the local communities located near port areas.

“The port sector offers wide career opportunities, but many young people may not be fully aware of the skills and training pathways available to enter this industry.

“We want to see more TVET-related programmes connected to the port sector so that local youths can be trained, equipped and given the opportunity to participate in this important economic sector,” he said during a working visit by delegates from Kemaman Port Authority and Kuantan Port Authority to Labuan Port today.

Azan said the proposed recommendation paper would reflect the shared views of the three port authorities on the need to strengthen human capital development in the port sector.

He said a more focused TVET approach would help prepare a new generation of skilled workers to support the future needs of ports, including cargo handling, safety compliance, equipment operations, marine support services, logistics coordination and port administration.

“Ports are not only about ships and cargo… they require skilled workers, technical knowledge, discipline and strong operational understanding.

“If we can introduce more young people to this sector through TVET, we can help build a stronger talent pipeline for the country’s port and logistics industry,” he said.

LPA general manager Mizool Amir Mat Drus said the LPA supported the proposal, especially as the three port authorities were also involved in regulating and facilitating port activities linked to the oil and gas sector.

He said TVET should not be seen as a training pathway meant only to serve selected land-based industries, but also as an important platform to boost and accelerate job opportunities in the maritime and port sectors.

“The maritime and port sectors offer many technical and operational career opportunities, including in areas linked to cargo handling, oil and gas support services, safety, logistics and port operations.

“By strengthening TVET programmes related to the port sector, we can open wider opportunities for local youths to build skills and take part in industries that support national trade and economic growth,” he said.

Mizool said such collaboration would allow the three port authorities to provide practical input based on their respective operating environments and industry needs.

He said this would help ensure that any proposed TVET programme for the port sector was relevant, industry-driven and able to support future manpower requirements.

Also present were Kuantan Port Authority general manager Hasnita Mohd Hanapiah, Megah Port Management Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Idjal Tahir and senior officials from the three port authorities.

During the visit, the delegates were also briefed on the operations and development of Labuan Port, including the role of the LPA as the regulatory authority and Megah Port Management as the port operator under its supervision.

-- BERNAMA