Labuan: 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 stated that this initiative aligns with the Transport Ministry's agenda to transform existing ports in the country into potential homeports for cruise ships.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mizool conveyed this message to delegates from the Kemaman Port Authority and Kuantan Port Authority during their working visit to Labuan Port. He emphasized that Labuan Port has the potential to support cruise operations, provided that necessary upgrades and improvements are carried out to meet the requirements of international cruise liners.

Mizool highlighted that 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 mentioned that 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 noted that 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. Furthermore, he announced that the ageing Labuan port terminal jetty would be repaired following approval of an allocation by the Transport Ministry. The repair works aim to strengthen the port's readiness and ensure that its facilities can support future growth, including cruise-related activities.

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