Kuala lumpur: The shipping sector is facing a critical shortage of local professionals and other key maritime personnel, which needs to be addressed immediately, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He explained that, given the fact that nearly 40 percent of ship crews serving in Malaysia are foreign nationals, it is imperative for these vacancies to be filled by qualified local seafarers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke emphasized the importance of the maritime sector, noting the wide range of expertise required on each ship, including engineers, technicians, and logistics management officers. He pointed out that the maritime field offers promising prospects with high earning potential, but interest in a seafaring career in Malaysia remains low compared to countries like the Philippines and Indonesia.

Loke highlighted the need for awareness campaigns, workshops, and community programs to engage young people and their parents in order to boost interest in maritime careers. He cited the rising number of female cadets at the Malaysian Maritime Academy (ALAM) as a positive sign of growing acceptance of the shipping and maritime sector, though they still make up only about 10 percent of the academy’s student body.

He acknowledged the challenges of a maritime career, such as long periods at sea, but assured that the safety of female crew members is prioritized through the enforcement of a strict Code of Conduct by shipping companies. Additionally, Loke called on more local shipping companies to sponsor students at ALAM and provide mandatory practical training aboard ships, stating that such support is crucial to strengthening the local professional workforce.

During the ceremony at ALAM, 332 cadets graduated upon completing their diplomas, while 153 new cadets received scholarships under the MISC Education Sponsorship Programme. Loke noted that while companies like MISC offer scholarships and placements, the effort to build a local workforce should not rest on a single company’s shoulders.