Malaysian airplanes stay at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on May 26, 2023. (Photo: CFP)
The Malaysian government is set to develop sea, land and air transportation networks, including working with China to build freight dual hubs and expand railway construction to attract foreign investment, including from China.
Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Malaysian Transport Minister, introduced the major projects and growth potential in the domains of transportation between Malaysia and China on December 17 at the Malaysia-China Summit 2024.
Mr. Loke noted that the Ministry of Transport Malaysia is focusing on expanding the cargo sector, including forging Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) into a major cargo hub in Southeast Asia.
He unveiled that Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad has embarked on discussions with Henan Province Airport Group Co., Ltd., targeting a dual hubs strategy. Namely, Zhengzhou functions as the hub for the Chinese market and KLIA as the gateway to ASEAN, thereby connecting China and the entire Southeast Asia.
Additionally, the Ministry of Transport Malaysia will also expand Penang International Airport to meet the needs of the semiconductor industry for cargo facilities. Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Sabah will also upgrade its cold chain cargo facilities to promote seafood exports to the Chinese market.
As the largest and busiest airport in Malaysia, KLIA managed over 47 million passengers, more than 980,000 tonnes of cargo, and nearly 820,000 aircraft movements in 2023, ranking as the 35th busiest airport by total passenger traffic.
Themed "Prosperity Beyond 50," the three-day Malaysia-China Summit 2024, from Tuesday to Thursday, is held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur as the finale of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
The event focuses on a number of key areas, including digital technology, transportation, and manufacturing.
Reporter: Zhang Ruijun
Editor: Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He
