Port records sterling performance

Pro-active marketing efforts and prudent cost-streamlining measures initiated by Johor Port Bhd during the economic downturn, reaped positive results as reflected in the impressive results recorded by the company for the financial period ended December 31, 1999.

Johor Port Bhd recorded an impressive pre-tax profit of RM64.7 million on an increased a turnover of RM230.9 million last year on the back of higher throughput handled by Johor Port.

Containerised cargo and liquid bulk traffic remained as the two main commodities which contributed to the surge in throughput at the Port. The two categories accounted for 76.7 per cent of the Port's throughput totalling 21.5 million tonnes.

The Executive Chairman of JPB, Dato' Mohd Taufik Abdullah said for the first time in the history of Johor Port, the volume of containerised tonnage surpassed that of liquid throughput.

Containerised cargo registered an impressive growth of 44.8 per cent totalling 8.9 million tonnes whilst liquid bulk grew by 2.2 per cent totaling 7.6 million tonnes last year.

"The improved performance was made possible by measures taken by the port, in particular, to contain cost overruns and to improve all-round productivity and efficiency. Pro-active marketing efforts have resulted in the Port attracting additional clients whilst retaining the existing ones", said Dato' Taufik

However dry bulk and breakbulk cargo declined in volume by 12 per cent and 15 per cent respectively, registering a throughput of 3.99 million tonnes and 1.0 tonnes respectively. With improved, modern and more comprehensive facilities and shore-side services provided at both terminals coupled with selective marketing and niche positioning, a better performance is expected in this sector in the current financial period.

According to Dato Taufik ,Johor Port will continue to focus on the core activities of the port business by responding efficiently to customers' needs and demands.