TECHNOLOGY Depository Agency Bhd (TDA), an agency under the Finance Ministry Maalaysia (MOF), has recorded a 100% certification success rate for 65 maritime workers while recognising the participation of 10 local companies in the Kuala Kedah Passenger, Cargo and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Terminal development project.
The achievement made through the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) marks a milestone in TDA’s efforts to ensure that strategic government procurement generates long-term benefits through skills development, industry participation and strengthening of local capabilities.
All 65 participants successfully obtained the Mate Domestic (Open) Certificate with the certificates presented by Transport Minister Anthany Loke Siew Fook during the Maritime Competency Recognition and Local Company Empowerment ceremony at the Kuala Kedah Passenger Jetty Terminal on Monday (Nov 2).
The ceremony was also attended by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Transport secretary-general Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan and TDA CEO Mohamad Rafidi Mat Dahan.
This represents the first milestone under the ICP initiative “Future-Ready Seafarers Through Professional Certificates and Competency Programme for Domestic and International Maritime Standard”, implemented in collaboration with Sunissa Sdn Bhd, the ICP provider for the Kuala Kedah terminal project.
Turning gov’t procurements into skill dev’t
The development of skilled maritime personnel must progress alongside infrastructure improvements and greater participation by Malaysian companies, according to Loke.
“The maritime industry requires a competent workforce and a strong ecosystem of local companies capable of meeting operational standards,” he stressed in his officiating address.
“Through the ICP, government procurement can be translated into skills development, knowledge transfer and more meaningful industry participation.”
The qualification allows fishermen and boat operators to develop their skills, explore wider employment opportunities and potentially increase their income.
The 65 participants comprised members of the Kuala Muda Fishermen’s Association, Kuala Kedah Fishermen’s Association and Pantai Merdeka Boat Operators’ Association.
Training was conducted by Polaris Maritime Training Academy Sdn Bhd, a training centre recognised by the Marine Department Malaysia across three sessions in Alor Setar in February, April and June 2026.
TDA’s CEO Rafidi said the achievement demonstrated how the ICP translates government procurement commitments into tangible outcomes for Malaysian industries and communities.
“This recognition signifies more than the completion of a training programme. It demonstrates how collaboration among the government, implementing agencies, training providers and industry can systematically build local capability,” he pointed out.
“TDA will continue to ensure that strategic procurement delivers competencies, capacity and enduring value.”
Beyond maritime competency development, the ICP also supports the participation of Malaysian companies in the Kuala Kedah terminal project’s supply chain.
Ten local companies were recognised during the ceremony, reflecting the programme’s focus on developing local industry.
Under the project’s localisation and subcontracting component, Malaysian companies participate in activities including machinery rental, soil investigation, marine and onshore piling, construction-material supply, building systems and electrical works.
Their involvement is intended to strengthen domestic capabilities, facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, thus creating opportunities for local businesses to participate in larger infrastructure projects.
Valued at RM245.47 mil, the Kuala Kedah RoRo Terminal project commenced in April 2024 and has an implementation period extending to September 2027.
Upon completion, the upgraded terminal is expected to accommodate up to 3,000 passengers compared with approximately 800 previously, hence allowing three large passenger vessels to berth simultaneously.
As an agency under the Minister of Finance Inc, TDA facilitates and monitors the implementation of Malaysia’s ICP by ensuring that strategic government procurement delivers measurable and sustainable value through industrial capacity building, human capital development and technology transfer. – Nov 4, 2026
