THE Negri Sembilan state government has partnered resort-centric property developer Tanco Holdings Bhd to undertake the development of Malaysia’s first smart artificial intelligence (AI) container port at Dickson Bay in Port Dickson.
This pioneer project which has received a nod from the Transport Ministry marks a significant milestone in Negri Sembilan’s strategic development in support of the nation’s economic growth.
Towards this end, Midports Holdings Sdn Bhd, a 79%-owned subsidiary of Tanco and Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan (Pemerbadanan) (MBINS) have sealed a joint venture (JV) to develop the proposed smart AI container port that includes an additional 33.66 hectares (83.19 acres) of seabed land submerged off the Dickson Bay in Port Dickson.
The event held yesterday (March 4) at the Klana Resort in Seremban was graced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Negeri Sembilan’s Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
Both entities will set up a joint venture company (JVC) which will serve as the development backbone of the project to drive forward the construction and future operation of the smart AI container port. Midports Holdings will hold an 80% stake in the JVC with the balance 20% held by MBINS.
Aminuddin expects the JV to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) that will positively contribute to Malaysia’s GDP (gross domestic product) while” fostering the growth of high-tech factories which will further solidify Malaysia’s position as a key player in the global economy”.
Sustainable port operations
The proposed smart AI container port will be supported by a 480-acre landbank owned by Tanco, thus eliminating additional land acquisition costs.
Strategically located at the midway of the Straits of Malacca – one of the busiest straits in the world – the site features a natural deep-water access more than 21 meters in depth which is 1.8km from the shoreline and is capable of accommodating the largest container ships globally.
“This port in Port Dickson is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” commented Tanco’s group managing director Datuk Seri Andrew Tan Juan Suan.
“The integration of advanced AI and smart technologies will enhance our logistics capabilities and ecosystem and position Malaysia as a leader in automated and sustainable port operations.”
Additionally, the smart AI container port also offers logistical advantages by significantly reducing transportation costs for gateway containers for businesses currently dependent on distant ports and enhancing speed and efficiencies for transshipment containers.
This strategic proximity is also expected to decrease carbon emissions, hence demonstrating Tanco’s contribution to sustainable practices.
“We have started our groundwork and invited foreign industrialists to the smart AI container port location,” asserted Tan.
“These industrialists have expressed positive feedback and interest for the potential development of new industrial park(s) in close proximity to the smart AI container port in order to establish a more conducive trade and logistic ecosystem to accelerate Negri Sembilan’s industrialisation plans.”
He added: “With keen interest from various groups expressed and to realise this strategic initiative to establish a smart AI container port, we also plan for Midports Holding to seek permission from the relevant Malaysian authorities to undertake an infrastructure listing on our local exchange in due course.”
At 12.13pm, Tanco was up 0.5 sen or 0.72% to 70 sen with 12.72 million shares traded, thus valuing the company at RM1.45 bil. – March 5, 2024
