Labuan: The Labuan Port Authority (LPA), Kemaman Port Authority, and Kuantan Port Authority are looking to strengthen future collaboration towards becoming more competitive, well-organised, and efficient port regulatory bodies in Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the shared commitment was highlighted during a working visit by delegates from the Kemaman Port Authority and Kuantan Port Authority to Labuan Port, led by Kemaman Port Authority chairman Datuk Azan Ismail. LPA general manager Mizool Amir Mat Drus stated that the visit provided a valuable platform for the three port authorities to exchange views on port regulation, governance, operational oversight, safety, infrastructure planning, and service efficiency.

Mizool emphasized the importance of closer cooperation among port authorities to ensure that regulatory bodies remained responsive to the changing needs of the maritime and logistics sectors. "Through this engagement, we can learn from one another, share practical experience, and identify areas where cooperation can be further strengthened," he said. He added that as port regulatory bodies, there is a need to continually improve approaches to ensure ports remain competitive, well-regulated, and capable of supporting the country's trade and maritime growth.

Azan echoed the sentiment, noting that the visit underscored the importance of building closer institutional ties among port authorities, particularly in sharing knowledge and experience in port governance and regulatory best practices. He highlighted that cooperation among port authorities would help strengthen the overall port ecosystem in Malaysia, ensuring that ports remained safe, orderly, efficient, and capable of meeting industry expectations.

Each port has its own strengths and operational experience, and through collaboration, ideas can be exchanged, different approaches understood, and practices adopted to further improve respective roles as port regulatory bodies. Mizool reiterated LPA's eagerness for continued engagement with Kemaman Port Authority and Kuantan Port Authority, especially in areas such as regulatory compliance, port management, operational efficiency, infrastructure development, and human capital strengthening.

The delegates were briefed on the operations and development of Labuan Port, including the role of the LPA as the regulatory authority and Megah Port Management Sdn Bhd as the port operator under its supervision. Megah Port presented a briefing on its services and roles, as well as its performance in cargo handling at Labuan Port. The visit also included a question-and-answer session and a tour of the Labuan Port wharf to provide delegates with a closer look at port operations and existing facilities.

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