Kuala lumpur: The late Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik played a defining role in strengthening Malaysia's transport infrastructure, leaving behind a lasting legacy of seaports, airports, and logistics networks that continue to support the country's competitiveness, industry players said. Dr Ling was among the country's longest-serving politicians, serving as Transport Minister from 1986 to 2003 and leading the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) for 17 years. According to BERNAMA News Agency, extending condolences to his family and honoring his service and contributions to the nation, the Shipping Association of Malaysia (SAM) said that during his tenure as Transport Minister, Ling provided the vision and leadership that transformed Port Klang into the nation's principal load center and a leading regional transshipment hub and logistics gateway. The association highlighted that in the mid-1990s, SAM worked closely with the Ministry of Transport under Ling's stewardship to advance initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency, connectivity, and competitiveness at Port Klang. Today, it stands as one of the top 10 busiest global container ports. His leadership also saw the successful corporatization and growth of major port operators, including Westports, Northport, and Tanjung Pelepas Port, establishing a more efficient and commercially driven port ecosystem. SAM noted Ling's instrumental role in securing the presence of shipping giants such as Evergreen, Cosco, Maersk, and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to operate their transshipment hubs at Malaysian ports. The association stated that Ling's forward-looking policies on port development and international shipping connectivity have significantly strengthened Malaysia's position in global trade, ensuring his legacy will continue to benefit the ports and maritime industry for years to come. Additionally, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) president Jacob Lee Chor Kok extended condolences and highlighted the development of Kuala Lumpur International Air port (KLIA), which commenced operations in 1998 during Ling's tenure. This marked a major upgrade in cargo and passenger handling capacity, reinforcing Malaysia's trade and logistics capabilities. Lee emphasized that KLIA established Malaysia as a regional aviation hub with integrated cargo facilities supporting time-sensitive exports, particularly in electrical and electronics sectors. In logistics, Ling contributed to enhancements to the North-South Expressway corridor and improved port connectivity, strengthening linkages between manufacturing clusters and key gateways. These developments reduced transit times, lowered domestic logistics costs, and enabled more reliable production and export schedules. Consequently, the expansion of seaports, airports, and road connectivity during Ling's tenure created a coordinated national logistics system that supported Malaysia's industrialization drive and export growth.