Minister lauds MASA’s achievements

 The Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik said the active role now being played by MASA has been consistent with the expansion of the Malaysian Shipping Industry.

“The Malaysian Shipping Industry has grown over the years although our shipping capacity still remains small in relation to expanding demand. According to UNCTAD Report in 1998 of the total Malaysian tonnage as a percentage of world total stands at 0.85 per cent, whereas our share of world trade generated in terms of value is 1.2 per cent,” he said.

The Minister said this at MASA’s Annual Dinner, which was held in conjunction with the launching of the Malaysian Maritime yearbook 2000/2001 as well as the association’s Web-site on the Internet.

“I am delighted to note that MASA has, over the last year, taken a number of measures to enhance its posture of which tonight’s event marks an important one,” he told the gathering attended by more than 700 people. The Minister said the growth in the Malaysian Merchant fleet strength over the recent years has pushed Malaysia’s World Ranking of Maritime Countries by the UNCTAD  to 22^nd position in 1998 from 24^th position in the previous year.

“There are more than 3,200 ship of various type registered with the National Registry. Its is worth noting the trend is now towards registering, bigger ships particularly vessels such as LNG tankers, container ship, crude and clean product tankers and chemical tankers. He said although it is inconceivable to expect our merchant shipping capacity to expand and meet the large potential demand, the shipping sector has continued to grow and helped mitigate the rising current account deficits in the balance of payments.

“The contributions of the shipping sector to the national economy has continued to rise and this is reflected in the increased inward flow of earnings from shipping and insurance last year which totalled RM 4.7 billion compared with only RM 2.5 billion five years ago,” he added.

The government, he said would continue to listen and invite views from the industry and “I hope in this regard MASA will continue liaise with the relevant  government agencies in  ensuring that the views of the industry are well articulated and heard.”

The Minister urged shipowners to  venture out, including looking at forging strategic alliances with established international operators  and/or shipowers.