KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian maritime industry needs more seafarers to ensure a successful and competitive industry.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the maritime industry depends on the adequate supply of highly qualified maritime personnel as the industry is lacking in local seafarers.
He said this at the launch of the World Maritime Week 2017.
He added currently there were 5,000 local seafarers compared to 6,000 foreign seafarers employed on board Malaysian registered ships.
"We need to strengthen our shipping line since we have only 10 million dead weight tonnage registered under the Malaysian maritime industry compared to 15 million tonnes because of bureaucracy. This is why we passed the amendments to the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 recently.
Dead weight tonnage is a measure of how much mass a ship is carrying or can safely carry and does not include the weight of the ship.
"There is a need for more efforts to attract the younger generation into considering a career in the maritime industry as well as its related services. Plus, sustainable shipping and ports activities can improve the economy and ultimately the people’s livelihood.
"To ensure this success, the maritime industry must be appealing to the new generation as a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Liow announced in his speech that Malaysia will be submitting its candidacy to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council seat for the 2018-2019 biennium General Assembly.
Malaysia will be competing under Category C (general) in November 2017.
- September 5, 2017 @ 6:25pm
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