Lets improve the efficiency of PTP in Johor

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw repeats his call for improving the efficiency and security of the Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor.

On 14.2.2011, Dr Tan responds to the PTP statement that it has stringent measures to ensure maximum security for cargo shipments. Lets hope that these measures are truly effective, making the container port more popular.

PTP is in the top 20 of the world's container ports. It can improve further. The most important thing is never to repeat the massive scandal of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ).

Apparently, the port handles about 6.5 million TEUs (containers/twenty-foot equivalent units) last year. The Port of Singapore (PS) is the world's busiest port that tranships a fifth of the world's shipping containers, over 23 million TEUs. We are not saying that PTP catches up with PS as soon as possible. PTP has attracted Maersk which is the biggest container carrier in the world. Can PTP keep the company?

Besides good measures for port security, we would like to see efficiency. For instance, if a container ship arrives at PS in the morning, the containers can be taken out of the port within 24 hours. How long would it take PTP? Is it 48 hours? Can it be as long as two weeks?

I shall follow up the performance of PTP, Port Klang, Penang Port, Kuantan Port and Pasir Gudang Port. I believe that they can do much better.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw