Kuala lumpur: To future-proof the ASEAN Blue Economy, the regional bloc should focus on and integrate four key areas. Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) Director-General Monaliza Suhaimi emphasized the importance of conserving and restoring mangrove habitats, scaling up offshore wind production, decarbonizing international shipping, and increasing the production of sustainably sourced ocean-based proteins.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Monaliza highlighted that conserving mangroves goes beyond preserving nature by strengthening coastal defenses and protecting ports, shipping routes, and communities from erosion and extreme weather. She noted that beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, these initiatives set a global benchmark for sustainable maritime connectivity and expand the supply of ocean-based proteins through sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, thereby safeguarding the fragile marine ecosystem.
Monaliza also mentioned the potential benefits of incorporating automation, utilization, and the Internet of Things into maritime infrastructure to reduce emissions. As Malaysia takes advantage of the Hainan Free Trade Port under the China-ASEAN Marine Tourism and Cultural Economic Circle initiative, MIMA projects Malaysia’s tourism sector to grow between 10 and 15 percent annually over a five-year period due to an increase in Chinese tourist arrivals.
MIMA’s head of Maritime Economics and Industries, Mazlinawati Abdul Majid, stated that this growth is expected to contribute RM1.5 billion to RM2.2 billion to Malaysia’s gross domestic product. She highlighted that infrastructure developments involving ports, marinas, and resorts could be valued up to RM1 billion. The spillover effects from the hospitality and marine leisure sectors are predicted to benefit small and medium enterprises, creating 5,000 to 7,000 new jobs in hospitality, transport, and cultural services.
Mazlinawati further pointed out that the collaboration will enable the creation of an integrated cruise and yacht circuit connecting Hainan, China; Langkawi, Kedah; Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and other ASEAN hubs. This initiative is not just about boosting tourism but about establishing a long-term transformative partnership, capturing high-value tourism, stimulating coastal development, and securing strategic investment.
She concluded by stating that with this initiative, Malaysia can confidently position itself alongside China as a co-leader in shaping the next decade of ASEAN-China maritime cooperation.