Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has officially requested that Kemaman Port Consortium update and submit a development proposal for Kemaman Port, aligning with the existing port development plan and concession agreement. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook confirmed that the ministry is keen on reviewing the expansion proposal and has tasked the Kemaman Port Authority with ensuring the proposal is submitted.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke emphasized MOT's commitment to encouraging private investment in maritime activities, expressing the ministry's readiness to facilitate private sector initiatives aimed at port development. He conveyed this during his speech in the Dewan Rakyat, marking the winding-up debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Additionally, Loke addressed the Kedah state government's announcement regarding a private sector proposal to develop a seaport in the Sanglang area. He clarified that MOT has not yet received a comprehensive proposal for this project, indicating that the idea remains at a conceptual stage and that no new port limits are being drafted for Sanglang, Kedah, and Perlis.
Regarding the upgrading of Sandakan Airport and the initiation of direct international flights to destinations like Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Singapore, Loke stated that the government remains supportive of both local and international airlines introducing direct flight services to Malaysia. He mentioned that MOT engages in annual bilateral negotiations with foreign countries to establish and enhance traffic rights.
Loke added that Sandakan has been included under the ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on the Full Liberalisation of Passenger Air Services. This agreement allows airlines from ASEAN countries to operate flights between any ASEAN destinations without restrictions on frequency, capacity, or aircraft type. Furthermore, he stated that foreign airlines operating into Malaysian airports, including major cities in Sabah, are offered various incentives through Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd's airline incentive programme.