Kuala lumpur: 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 emphasized that 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hasbi highlighted in his keynote address at the 6th CMPA Annual Meeting 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. It serves as an important platform for dialogue, business networking, and technical cooperation. Over the past decade, the CMPA has facilitated learning and collaboration among ports, strengthening maritime connectivity and paving the way for deeper collaboration in technology, logistics, and green port initiatives.
Hasbi further noted that the CMPA’s progress reflects the enduring strength of Malaysia-China relations, which celebrated its 51st anniversary this year. This relationship is built upon mutual trust, respect, and shared prosperity. In 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries reached RM484 billion, accounting for 16.8% of Malaysia’s total trade, with China remaining Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.
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 community with a shared future. 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). The 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.
Hasbi also highlighted Malaysia’s accomplishments 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.
These milestones reflect not only the operational strength of Malaysian 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 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. Additionally, 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 participants to share insights, exchange best practices, and strengthen partnerships in both the digital and cruise sectors. Hasbi expressed confidence that these discussions will deepen mutual understanding and open new avenues of collaboration. He also commended the CMPA Secretariat and participating ports for their continued efforts to sustain knowledge exchange and innovation under the Belt and Road Initiative, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to fostering an ecosystem that supports smart port development and sustainable maritime growth. As Malaysia looks ahead, it remains determined to foster a maritime sector that is not only competitive but also future-ready, championing sustainability, digitalisation, and inclusivity.