MALAYSIAN CARGO PORTS SEEN HANDLING 778 MLN TONNES OF GOODS BY YEAR-END

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Irhamy Valuers International Sdn Bhd, part of Juwai IQI, sees Malaysian cargo ports handling 778 million metric tonnes of goods by the end of the year, "delivering economic benefits worth RM657 billion."

Irhamy Valuers International values marine logistics and port assets, among other asset types, and collaborates with renowned consulting firm Andersen Global.

Its chief executive officer and founder Irhamy Ahmad noted that Malaysia's cargo ports have had a record year in 2024, "and 2025 promises to be even better, with major implications for the economy and real estate markets," the company said in a statement.

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“In 2025, those numbers could increase by three to five per cent, meaning the ports could handle 817 million metric tonnes of goods next year and add some RM690 billion to the country's gross domestic product.

“In terms of the amount of cargo moved, the efficiency with which it was moved, and the resulting contribution to Malaysia's economy, 2024 was the best year yet for Malaysian cargo ports," he said.

He noted that increasing shipping links to India has helped Malaysian ports increase their throughput this year.

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“The only limitation in the outlook is that the absence of a cruise terminal capable of handling large cruise ships prevents the ports from delivering even more for the economy," he added.

Irhamy also said that port operations, shipping, and marine transport contribute a staggering 40 per cent to Malaysia's gross domestic product, or about RM657 billion of economic activity every year.

He said Malaysia's ports serve as transhipment hubs in Southeast Asia, which earned Malaysia ports' revenue and created good jobs in Malaysia.

“Being a transhipment hub also gives us bigger opportunities. Goods transhipped through Malaysia can be processed, assembled, or packaged here. It gives companies a reason to invest in logistics and manufacturing facilities here. Free Trade Zones (FTZs) near ports enable these activities with minimal tariffs and regulatory barriers," he added.

On the impact of port development on real estate, Irhamy said the Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Port Klang serve as a global transhipment hub, which translated into increased demand for warehousing, distribution centres, industrial parks, and cold storage facilities nearby.

“As the ports continue to grow in 2025 and beyond, expect more demand in these asset classes, especially in Selangor, Johor, and Penang. Higher demand will be higher prices for land and facilities," he added. 

-- BERNAMA