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Malaysia Targets 100 Million TEU Port Capacity by 2035 in Bid to Cement Maritime Hub Status
来源： 编辑：编辑部 发布：2026/10/09 09:31:47
Malaysia has set a target to raise its port handling capacity to 100 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2035, reinforcing the country's standing as a global maritime and logistics hub built on decades of trade infrastructure and strategic location along the Strait of Malacca.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the target during his speech at the 2026 Malaysia Maritime Week, outlining a coordinated slate of port developments designed to expand capacity across the country's east and west coasts.
Loke said the target would be pursued through a new port on Carey Island and the Westports 2 expansion at Port Klang. It would also include Phases 3 and 4 of the Port of Tanjung Pelepas development, along with expansions at Kuantan and Kemaman ports.
Also present at the event were Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan.
The expansion plans build on strong recent performance across Malaysia's leading gateways. Loke said Port Klang retained its position as the world's 10th-busiest container port in the latest Lloyd's List One Hundred Container Ports 2026 ranking.
Port Klang handled 15,138,772 TEUs in 2025, up from 14,644,527 TEUs in 2024 - an increase of 3.4 per cent. The Port of Johor followed closely in 11th place, handling 15,110,050 TEUs in 2025.
"Together, these achievements reflect the strength of Malaysia's ports and their growing contribution to global trade," Loke said.
For the forwarders, cargo owners and importers who route volume through these gateways, the throughput growth signals expanding capacity, more reliable transit options and greater room to scale operations without the congestion pressures that drive up costs and disrupt schedules.
Loke said expanding port capacity would also support the growth of Malaysia's shipping fleet and maritime industries.
"As we expand our ports, have more ships coming into our country and see more trade, we are also building up our Malaysian fleet," he said.
"We are encouraging shipowners to build more ships under the Malaysian flag and have more Malaysian-flagged vessels. This is important from a strategic point of view and for national security."
Loke said the government was working with the Malaysian Shipowners' Association (MASA) to encourage the construction of more Malaysian-flagged vessels.
Beyond capacity and fleet growth, Loke pointed to the broader industrial and employment gains the strategy is expected to deliver.
"This will also create an industry in itself. We will continue to drive the development of the shipbuilding industry, with more shipyards, more shipbuilding and more ship repair," he said.
"So, these are all very important jobs to be created under our maritime sector."
The combined programme - new terminals, expanded existing ports, a growing national fleet and a strengthened shipbuilding base - positions Malaysia to move a rising share of global container traffic through the coming decade. For the logistics operators and traders who depend on these corridors, it points toward greater capacity, steadier throughput and a more resilient network for moving goods to market.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the target during his speech at the 2026 Malaysia Maritime Week, outlining a coordinated slate of port developments designed to expand capacity across the country's east and west coasts.
Loke said the target would be pursued through a new port on Carey Island and the Westports 2 expansion at Port Klang. It would also include Phases 3 and 4 of the Port of Tanjung Pelepas development, along with expansions at Kuantan and Kemaman ports.
Also present at the event were Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan.
The expansion plans build on strong recent performance across Malaysia's leading gateways. Loke said Port Klang retained its position as the world's 10th-busiest container port in the latest Lloyd's List One Hundred Container Ports 2026 ranking.
Port Klang handled 15,138,772 TEUs in 2025, up from 14,644,527 TEUs in 2024 - an increase of 3.4 per cent. The Port of Johor followed closely in 11th place, handling 15,110,050 TEUs in 2025.
"Together, these achievements reflect the strength of Malaysia's ports and their growing contribution to global trade," Loke said.
For the forwarders, cargo owners and importers who route volume through these gateways, the throughput growth signals expanding capacity, more reliable transit options and greater room to scale operations without the congestion pressures that drive up costs and disrupt schedules.
Loke said expanding port capacity would also support the growth of Malaysia's shipping fleet and maritime industries.
"As we expand our ports, have more ships coming into our country and see more trade, we are also building up our Malaysian fleet," he said.
"We are encouraging shipowners to build more ships under the Malaysian flag and have more Malaysian-flagged vessels. This is important from a strategic point of view and for national security."
Loke said the government was working with the Malaysian Shipowners' Association (MASA) to encourage the construction of more Malaysian-flagged vessels.
Beyond capacity and fleet growth, Loke pointed to the broader industrial and employment gains the strategy is expected to deliver.
"This will also create an industry in itself. We will continue to drive the development of the shipbuilding industry, with more shipyards, more shipbuilding and more ship repair," he said.
"So, these are all very important jobs to be created under our maritime sector."
The combined programme - new terminals, expanded existing ports, a growing national fleet and a strengthened shipbuilding base - positions Malaysia to move a rising share of global container traffic through the coming decade. For the logistics operators and traders who depend on these corridors, it points toward greater capacity, steadier throughput and a more resilient network for moving goods to market.