Asia/Pacific News
New Port Klang Bunker Facility Welcomed by Malaysian Transport Minister
Malaysia's Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai Tuesday at its opening ceremony welcomed the launch of the new Westport Bunkering Services (WEBS) facility by bunker supplier WEBS Oil Hub Sdn Bhd (WEBS Oil) at Port Klang, Malaysian media reports.
The minister also applauded the WEBS' cooperation with PetroChina Company Limited (PetroChina) to enhance local bunkering services for vessel transiting the Strait of Malacca.
"We see there are foreign ships offering ship-to-ship bunkering services here and we will ensure no such approval is given to foreign ships," said Liow, adding: "We want the local facilities to be used to provide bunkering services to all ships plying the Strait of Malacca."
Liow also suggested that strategic alliance with a number of Chinese ports could encourage Port Klang's competitiveness.
"We hope we can move our position from 12th in the World Container League to 11th with the increase of TEUs going through Port Klang," said Liow.
The transport minister says he has submitted a request to Malaysia's finance ministry to prevent the application of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ).
"To those bringing goods and exporting without entering Malaysia, it is considered offshore services, they do not need to pay GST, unless the product enters Malaysia," said Liow.
In April Ship & Bunker reported that, according to market sources, PetroChina Singapore, with the aim of creating a bunker fuel supply outlet, had leased fuel oil storage tanks at Port Klang.
