Malaysia Ports Prepare for Container Surge Amid West Asia Tensions
PORT KLANG: Malaysia’s ports have been instructed to prepare for a possible surge in container traffic as geopolitical tensions in West Asia threaten to disrupt maritime routes, particularly through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said all ports across the country must take proactive measures to handle additional containers that could be delayed or redirected due to uncertainties in the region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Annex Building of the Port Klang Authority and a combined Chinese New Year celebration and Ramadan iftar event in Port Klang on Monday, Loke stressed the importance of ensuring ports remain operationally ready.
“Port Klang and other ports in Malaysia must be prepared to receive and manage extra containers that may be held up at other regional ports due to disruptions in maritime transport routes,” he said.
The Transport Ministry has already held meetings with major port operators and port authorities since last week to coordinate readiness and prevent congestion, particularly in container yards.
Loke added that Malaysia’s ports could also benefit from the situation, as cargo that would typically pass through major Middle Eastern ports such as Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, Port of Salalah in Salalah, and Port of Muscat in Muscat could potentially be rerouted to Malaysian ports.
To reduce congestion at port yards, Loke has directed that empty containers should not be stored within the port area. Instead, they must be transferred directly to external depots.
The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has also been instructed to ensure that container depots outside the port operate 24 hours a day, in line with port operating schedules.
Meanwhile, Port Klang continues to record strong performance in container handling. As of December 2025, the port handled 15.14 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking a 3.4% increase from 14.64 million TEUs in 2024.
With this achievement, Port Klang recorded its highest container throughput since operations began in 1973 and is expected to maintain its 10th position in the global World Container Port League rankings.
For 2026, the port is targeting a 1.5% growth, equivalent to 15.37 million TEUs, supported by Malaysia’s steady economic growth, infrastructure development, and increased cargo from manufacturing and logistics sectors.
In another major development, Loke revealed that the Cabinet recently approved the construction of a third terminal at Port Klang in Pulau Carey. The project will be led by the Selangor State Government, while the Transport Ministry will act as the regulator.
According to Loke, the state government will establish a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with strategic private partners to attract investment for the construction and operation of the new terminal.
He added that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the need for all relevant agencies to move swiftly on the project, highlighting its importance in strengthening the national economy and enhancing Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global port and logistics industry.