By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
SEPANG, Oct 28 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the opening of DHL Express’ new Kuala Lumpur Gateway at the KLIA Cargo Terminal 1 today, marking a significant boost to Malaysia’s position as a key logistics hub in the region.
The new facility is expected to enhance Malaysia’s role in the global supply chain by streamlining import and export processes and attracting more investments.
In his speech at the official opening of the facility, Anwar emphasized the importance of logistics infrastructure to Malaysia’s economic ambitions, particularly in high-growth sectors such as semiconductors, data centers, and artificial intelligence (AI).
“Today, we are witnessing the development of a critical facility that positions DHL as a key player in the region’s logistics ecosystem,” he said.
“However, the logistics ecosystem extends beyond DHL, encompassing airlines, customs, roads, and other infrastructure that must be effectively managed to drive progress.”
Logistics as a National Priority
The Prime Minister highlighted the need for a holistic approach to logistics management, involving various stakeholders including the Ministry of Transport, Malaysian Airport Berhad, and Customs. He commended the Ministry of Transport’s efforts under YB Anthony Loke’s leadership in pushing for improvements across the logistics sector to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
“The pace of change is fast, and if our logistics systems lag, we will be left behind. It is critical to enhance not only infrastructure but also the skills of our workforce to support the growth in automation, digitalization, and AI,” Anwar added.
He called on DHL to take the lead in establishing a center of excellence for upskilling workers in these areas, given its expertise and global experience.
Strengthening Malaysia’s Economic Resilience
Anwar noted that Malaysia’s strategic location and improving infrastructure have already attracted increased interest from major investors, particularly in the technology and industrial sectors in Selangor, Johor, and Kulim Hi-Tech.
The new DHL gateway will further support this trend by facilitating smoother trade and bolstering Malaysia’s reputation as a reliable logistics hub.
He also stressed the need for continuous improvement in public services, including Customs, to remove bottlenecks that could hinder the country’s economic growth.
Citing a quote from George Bernard Shaw, Anwar humorously reminded stakeholders of the importance of never becoming complacent, even in the face of praise: “There is always room for improvement.”
Expanding International Partnerships
Anwar used the platform to discuss Malaysia’s expanding global relationships, including strengthened ties with China and a strategic alignment within ASEAN.
He also proudly announced Malaysia’s acceptance into the BRICS bloc, which he said was a testament to the country’s rising global profile.
“We have been placed at the forefront of the BRICS expansion, with support from major leaders such as Putin, Xi Jinping, and Modi, among others,” Anwar stated, emphasizing the country’s growing influence on the world stage.
Positioning Malaysia as a Top Logistics and Investment Hub
With the launch of DHL’s new facility, Malaysia is taking significant steps towards enhancing its logistics capabilities and solidifying its position in the global supply chain. The Prime Minister reiterated his administration’s commitment to making Malaysia an attractive destination for investors through continuous reforms and strategic infrastructure development.
“We must be ready to embrace change, reform our practices, and implement better strategies to ensure Malaysia stands out in the competitive global market,” he concluded.
Also present at the launch ceremony were Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Secretary General of the Ministry of Transport, Datuk Jana Santhiran Miniayan, CEO of DHL Express Asia Pacific, Kian Lee, and Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei, Julian Neo.
The new DHL Express Kuala Lumpur Gateway is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of logistics services in Malaysia, offering enhanced connectivity and further integrating the nation into the global supply chain network.
–TNS News