Malaysia firm eyeing PH port operation

A Malaysian port operator is in talks with the local governments of Davao and Palawan for the establishment, development and management of a new port in Puerto Princesa, the Embassy of Malaysia Trade Office (Matrade) yesterday reported.

Dato’ Sri Mohd Alias Haji Abd. Rahman, chair and CEO of Labuan Liberty Port Management Sdn. Bhd., was quoted by Matrade Manila as saying that the company wanted to open another link with the Philippines, particularly from Puerto Princesa to Labuan, Malaysia, which enjoys free port status.

According to Rahman, Puerto Princesa is now being eyed as another gateway to the Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

The ports of Puerto Princesa and Labuan, he said, can work together and prosper from the trade of goods.

Palawan has agriculture and livestock that can be shipped to Labuan, while Malaysia can provide manufactured products for consumers in Palawan, Rahman added.

“We’re in the proposal and discussion stage. We’re a management team. We will find a joint venture partner for this project,” Rahman said. “We already went to Palawan. What we’re looking at are port facilities, cargo and vessel. The vessel should not be too small and not too big to be profitable. We’re looking at the right vessel size, and what cargoes to import and export.

Matrade Manila Trade Commissioner Nyaee Ayup meanwhile noted that Malaysian investors continue to be on the look out for investment opportunities in ports.

“We want to establish linkages and strengthen relations … with the Philippines. We would like to establish new opportunities and new markets,” Ayup said.