Liow lets step up a gear Time to develop logistics infrastructure to boost economy KUALA LUMPUR: There is a need to develop logistics infrastructure in Malaysia to ensure the country’s continuous economic growth, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.Despite global uncertainties stemming from Brexit and a China slowdown, Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product continued to grow by 4.2% in the first half of 2016, Liow said.“Our economic fundamentals are strong. Our exports are still high. Klang Port recorded 15% growth in the number of containers the first six months of this year,” he told a press conference after launching the 10 Economic Strategic Directions conference yesterday. Liow attributed the stable growth to the advancement of digital technology and the sharing economy, which had enabled a free flow of goods and services in the region. “So to grow faster, we need a more efficient logistics industry. We need to solve the problems holding the industry back and get our logistics infrastructure on par to facilitate e-commerce giants such as Alibaba.com,” he said. Liow said that plans were in place such as upgrading Klang Port to increase its capacity, building a third port in Klang, and a deep sea port in Malacca to facilitate bigger ships. Malaysia’s logistics performing index was ranked at No 32 in the world, he said. One of the ways to have a higher ranking was to improve administrative efficiency by having work done online, he added. “For example, our Customs Department is moving its application process online. Now, importers and exporters do not need to wait that long for their cargo to be cleared.” Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said Malaysia was China’s largest trading partner but the country risked being surpassed by Vietnam soon. “Malaysia’s bilateral trade totalling US$97.35bil (RM391bil) in 2015 but Vietnam may be poised to surpass Malaysia soon, recording a US$95.8bil (RM385bil) in trade last year,” he said. To maintain a competitive edge, he said there was an increasing logistical need to bridge exporters and importers in different countries. “If you can facilitate the movement of goods, like a logistics player, you will help build trade and we need this a lot even as the Government invests in boosting our logistical facilities,” he said. Responding to claims that corruption was impeding the logistics sector, Dr Wee urged businesses to come forward to provide the information. “As a minister, I am duty bound to answer this question. Please provide information about any abuse of power,” he said. In his welcoming remarks, MCA Youth chief Chong Sin Woon said logistics and the rapidly- growing e-commerce industry reinforced each other in helping Malaysia to expand its economy. “Many have failed to see the potential of the logistics industry. Some may even equate the logisticians with lorry drivers,” he said. Chong cited a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers which showed that nearly 50% of Malaysian consumers made online purchases every month, proving that the local logistics sector had much potential to grow. SUMBER : THE STAR | M/S: 8 | 14 OGOS 2016 .