S’gor shows potential as a logistics gateway

KUALA LUMPUR: The logistics industry is developing rapidly in Malaysia especially in the Klang Valley, in tandem with the robust growth of the digital economy and fourth industrial revolution ( Industry 4.0).

Recognising the potential for Selangor to become a logistics gateway to South- East Asia, catering to the needs of the ASEAN and Asia-Pacific region, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Invest Selangor Bhd jointly organised the Investment Forum on Logistics Industry themed ‘ Deepening Logistics Supply Chain in Selangor’.

The half- day event in Shah Alam yesterday which attracted 200 logistics players a statement said, was officiated at by Selangor State Government executive councillor, Datuk Teng Chang Khim.

Also at the event were MIDA deputy chief executive officer (CEO), Arham Abdul Rahman, and Invest Selangor CEO, Datuk Hasan Azhari Idris.

In his speech, Teng said this is the first time the two agencies are organising the forum and that he believes the initiative will continue in order to make Selangor a regional hub for logistics.

“We want to see more collaboration and cooperation between Invest Selangor and MIDA, as well as other related agencies and organisations, to boost the logistics supply chain in Selangor,” he said.

“Being the world’s 24th largest trading nation, Malaysia’s logistics industry plays an integral role in enabling the growth of the country’s supply chain,” said Arham.

“Through MIDA’s on- going engagement with the industry, we noticed an increasing trend of companies venturing into more specialised activities.

“We hope to see more industry players emulating some of these best practices, as well as leveraging on the facilities provided by the Government, such as the Integrated Logistics Services ( ILS) and International Integrated Logistics Services ( IILS), to encourage the growth of Malaysian companies in the logistics industry.”

As of April 2018, MIDA has approved 89 ILS projects with a total investment of RM5.9 billion.

Meanwhile, 123 companies have been approved with IILS status, enabling them to obtain the Freight Forwarding License from Customs. — Bernama