Ports in Johor to become halal trade, logistics hub

JOHOR BAHRU (Oct 29): The Johor Port Authority (LPJ) is planning to turn ports in the state into trade and logistics hub for halal products through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement entered into with the Iskandar Halal Park (IHP) today.

The MoU, which took place in conjunction with the Port Week 2018 here, will see both parties working together to ensure that the logistics environment in Johor is geared towards trade and logistics movement of halal products, particularly in the IHP.

This is important as the halal product market is expected to reach US$58.3 billion in 2020, LPJ General Manager Muhammad Razif Ahmad told a press conference after the ceremony.

"I think this is what we will be doing together with Iskandar Halal Park so that when there are (halal) cargoes, we are ready in terms of logistics and supply chain.

“However, with this venture, it does not mean that we need to have a special port to handle the (halal) products. We will use existing facilities and services at the two ports (Johor Port and Port of Tanjung Pelepas)," he said.

On another matter, he said the effectiveness in enhancing the competitiveness of each port does not only hinge on the port operator alone, but also the active involvement of related government agencies such as in in facilitating ship clearance formalities.

“I think the ports themselves know what to do. They can raise their effectiveness but unfortunately, top operation does not depend solely on operators. Clearly, there is a government behind (them),” he said.

 On other developments, Razif said he had agreed to sponsor a non-governmental organisation, Anak Alami Entreprise to carry out a research on dugong, otter and seahorse in Tanjung Pelepas, here, and Mou had already been reached.

“Anak Alami, which is based in Kampung Pendas, Gelang Patah, not only has their own experts, but also access to experts on these species locally and globally. We hope this collaboration will add value to LPJ when it forms a smart port in the future," he said.

The opening of the Port Week was officiated by Transport Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Management) Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan.

Link->http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/ports-johor-become-halal-trade-logistics-hub