Putrajaya: Malaysia’s maritime sector is sailing towards the end of 2025 in a mixed state, with sub-sectors such as ports emerging as the strongest performers due to expansion in transshipment networks through collaborations with international partners; however, shipping and haulage remain swamped by multi-pronged challenges.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, from an individual port’s perspective, Malaysia’s maritime sector reached another level as Port Klang officially secured its place among the world’s Top 10 container ports in the Lloyds List of the World’s Top 100 Ports 2025, with the historic milestone being reached with the handling of 14.64 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024. The momentum is only building as A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has launched the Maersk Mega Distribution Centre (DC) in Shah Alam, Selangor – its largest contract logistics facility in Asia Pacific – boosting its warehouse footprint by more than 30 per cent in Malaysia.
Simultaneously, MMC Port Holdings Bhd, the largest port operator in Malaysia, secured green light from the Securities Commission for its upcoming listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia, resulting in a mega initial public offering (IPO), with an offer for sale of 4.27 billion shares, or a 30 per cent stake, by its sole shareholder, MMC Corp Bhd. The IPO could raise about RM8.5 billion, with all proceeds going to MMC Corporation as previously reported; however, the conglomerate has remained tight-lipped on the matter.
However, the same cannot be said for shipping, as the sub-sector continues to struggle with recurring challenges, particularly financing constraints, cost pressures, and market uncertainties. Even with the demand generated by rerouting and movement due to geopolitical tensions throughout the year, the shipping industry continues to grapple with depleting fleets as shipowners navigate tightening compliance requirements, financing constraints, and rising operational and environmental-related costs.
The Malaysia Shipowners’ Association (MASA) chairman, Mohamed Safwan Othman, previously said that financing remains a major challenge for shipowners, on top of the need to comply with international sustainability rules. He highlighted Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) crucial role in providing the right framework to improve the existing financial incentives and offer sustainable financing for the shipping industry in Malaysia.
The ambitious targets are also aligned with Malaysia’s aim in enhancing connectivity, and shifting freight from roads to rail to reduce road congestion and environmental impact, a key part of the National Transport Policy (NTP) 2019-2030. Malaysia’s NTP aims to shift freight from roads to rail by improving rail infrastructure, capacity, and services. In this “Road to Rail” shift, hauliers play a crucial role in connecting the “last mile” between rail hubs, seaports, and airports to ensure seamless logistics.
The Association of Malaysian Hauliers (AMH) executive secretary Mohamad Azuan Masud said the plan is a positive step that can ease congestion in major ports, reduce dependence on road capacity, and enhance overall efficiency, especially in Johor, where volume and traffic are at critical levels. However, he also pointed out that the container haulage industry is facing operational challenges and cost implications due to the adaptation to the Speed Limitation Device (SLD) requirement and the BGK/BDM weight upgrade, which were introduced last year.
He warned that with new compliance costs and operating expenses rising, 2026 could be a challenging year. ‘We expect to see more consolidation; some operators may close, while new entrants continue to come in and try their luck. It is a highly competitive but fragile landscape,’ he said. Asked about the outlook for next year, Mohamad Azuan said most hauliers are under pressure with profit margins shrinking, and multiple new policies being enforced simultaneously.