- a. TRANSPORTATION
- (a) Air
- (b) Road
- (c) Rail
- (d) Sea
- (b) Road
- b. COMMUNICATION
- (a) Telecommunications
- (b) Satellites
- (c) Postal Service
- (b) Satellites
- c. PUBLIC UTILITIES
- (a) Electricity
- (b) Water
- (c) Oil and Gas
- (d) Sanitation
- (b) Water
- d. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- (a) Autonomous Bodies
- (b) Technology Parks
- (c) Incubators
- (b) Technology Parks
- (a) Air
a. TRANSPORTATION
(a) Air
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In 1957, the airline’s reputation was boosted when it won the Cumberbatch Trophy - awarded by the British Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators, for a zero-accident record. In the same year, Malaya gained its independence from Britain. In 1958, MAL was restructured into a public limited company, owned by the Federation of Malaya and Singapore, Borneo Airways, BOAC and Qantas. It was a period of rapid growth, which saw the addition of the Douglas DC4 Skymaster, followed by the lease of two Vickers Viscounts and the acquisition of a Lockheed Super Constellation.
MAL entered the jet age with the Bristol Britannia in 1962 and five De Haviland Comet 4s in 1963. With the formation of Malaysia in 1963, the airline was renamed Malaysian Airways Ltd. Two years later, Borneo Airways Ltd merged with MAL, increasing both the carrier’s fleet and network.
On the separation of Singapore from the Federation of Malaysia on 9 August 1965, the governments of Malaysia and Singapore took over majority control of the airline from BOAC and the other shareholders. The move also saw MAL’s evolvement into Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA).
On 3 April 1971, a split in MSA led to the incorporation of the Malaysia Airlines (MAS). On 1 October 1972, a new-look airline took off with a moonkite logo as the national carrier of Malaysia. MAS began modernizing its fleet with wide-bodied aircraft to meet increased passenger and cargo business. The new quality service gained recognition when MAS won the first of five Boeing awards for Dispatch Reliability in 1974. During the same year, flights to Tokyo, London, Manila and Sydney were inaugurated.
Since 1974, Malaysia Airlines (MAS)has been engaged by the Pilgrims Fund Board (Tabung Haji) to organize special charter flights for Muslims on pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Mecca and Medina. For the convenience of pilgrims nationwide, flights take off and land at various airports such as Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru and Kuching. The airline has since extended this service to fly Muslim pilgrims from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Fiji and other Pacific islands to Saudi Arabia.
In 1979, MAS won an Outstanding Performance award for operating Boeing 737s in Southeast Asia, with the entry of its first A300-B4 service.
The airline continues to spread its wings wider and further, with fleet modernisation programmes and new international routes. Today, Malaysia Airlines flies to over 110 destinations across six continents with a modern fleet of more than 100 aircraft, including the B747-400s and the new B777s. In 1999, the number of passengers using the airline stood at 14.8 million passengers.
In addition to the national carriers, there are other smaller airlines such as Pelangi Air, Air Asia, Berjaya Air and Mofaz Air. Pelangi Air, a private airline, was incorporated in 1987, to service the domestic sector and some destinations in the ASEAN member countries. Today, Pelangi’s airfleet comprises 2 Fokker-50s and 3 Donier-228 aircrafts. It now flies to 16 destinations in Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Apart from its regular passenger services, Pelangi Air offers charter and freight services.
There are five international airports in Malaysia, located in Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang, Kota Kinabalu, Johor Bahru and Kuching. Apart from 15 domestic airports throughout the Federation, there are another 17 short takeoff and landing (STOL) ports. Presently, Malaysia Airlines has landing rights in over 110 destinations while some 50international airlines have regular direct services to Malaysia.
Air Asia Sdn Bhd, which was incorporated in December 1993, is licensed to operate scheduled flights to several destinations within Malaysia as well as overseas. It also operates charter services from time to time. Air Asia currently operates scheduled charter services to Subic Bay in the Philippines. Its fleet size consists of 2 Boeing 737-300.
In 1998, after a period of only seven years from conceptualization to construction and operation, Malaysia completed the construction of its brand new 10,000 hectare international airport, known as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). KLIA began commercial operations on 30 June 1998 and is poised to serve as the premier gateway of the nation and the world.
Designed by award-winning Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, the splendid design and state-of-the-art facilities, including the sophisticated Total Airport Management System (TAMS), rivals that of other major international airports. TAMS integrates and interconnects more than 40 systems into a single operating environment for distribution of information throughout the airport, facilities monitoring and management to ensure efficient and effective functioning of the airport.
With its two staggered runways, 130-metre control tower and 479,404 square metres of floor space, KLIA has the capacity to handle 90 to 100 aircraft movements per hour and 7,130 passengers per peak hour. Its state-of-the-art baggage handling system is capable of clearing baggage within 20 minutes. In addition, the modern design layout and simple passenger routes ensure minimum walking distance and transfer time which in turn enhances passenger comfort and convenience. Access to KLIA is easy with the provision of dedicated buses, taxis and limousines using many expressways. By the year 2020, KLIA is expected to cater to 80 million passengers annually.
The KLIA Terminal Complex comprises two buildings, the Main Terminal Building and the Satellite Building. Linked by a tracked transit system, the two buildings operate as a single terminal. All departure and arrival formalities are done at the Main Terminal Building. Domestic boarding is at the Main Terminal Building while international boarding is at the Satellite Building.
The aircraft taxiing system has been designed to minimise taxiing distances and maximise runway capacity. The shortest taxiing time is 2.1 minutes and the longest is 10.8 minutes.
The 24-hour airport has 108 aircraft stands comprising 46 contact, 36 remote, 21 cargo and five maintenance stands as well as 216 check-in counters, 60 immigration counters, 48 emigration counters, 16 transfer counters, 26 Customs counters and six port, health, plant and animal quarantine counters. A separate building accommodates VVIP arrivals and departures.
The two aerotrains that connect the Main Terminal Building and the Satellite Building are able to carry about 3,800 passengers an hour each way. Passengers do not have to wait more than three minutes to board.
KLIA is also working towards realising its vision of becoming the premier cargo and freight centre of the Asia Pacific. This is only possible with concerted effort by the major players, the dominant entity being MASkargo. Operating on 108 acres, MASkargo serves 110 destinations worldwide and handles a volume of approximately 360,000 tonnes per year. Its New Advanced Cargo Centre at KLIA is one of the world’s most advanced and sophisticated air cargo terminals.
Fully computerised and mechanised, it has the capacity to process 650,000 tonnes of cargo a year. The facilities include cold and chilled rooms, 24-hour security strong rooms and a special storage area for dangerous goods. In addition to being fully capable of handling a wide variety of products ranging from fruits, vegetables and flowers, to livestock and diary and meat products, MASkargo prides itself in having a relatively large and unique animal handling facility. MASkargo has tied up with KLM Cargo, credited as the No. 1 handler for live cargo worldwide. The facility is jointly operated with KLM to ensure that the right people with the required expertise are in place to ensure proficient handling of all types of animals.
Another key player is Federal Express Services. FedEx’s cargo handling facility at KLIA’s Cargo Complex covers 25,000 square feet with state-of-the-art sorting and distribution technology.
Airports in Malaysia
International:
- KL International Airport, 43900 Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Tel: 603-87778888; Fax: 603-8265510 - Penang International Airport, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 604-6434411; Fax: 604-6435339 - Langkawi International Airport, 17100 Padang Mat Sirat, Langkawi
Tel: 604-9551311; Fax: 604-9551314 - Kota Kinabalu International Airport, 88618, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: 6088-238555; Fax: 6088-219081 - Kuching International Airport, 93728, Kuching, Sarawak
Tel: 6082- 454242; Fax: 6082- 458587
Domestic (Peninsular):
- Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: 603-7461833 - Sultan Abdul Halim Airport, 06200 Kepala Batas, Kedah Darul Aman
Tel: 604- 7144301; Fax: 604- 7145345 - Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, 31350 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Tel:605-3120848; Fax: 605-3122295 - Sultan Ismail Airport, 81250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim
Tel: 607-5994500; Fax: 607-5996624 - Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, 16100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan Darul Naim
Tel: 609-7737400; Fax: 609-7732852 - Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport, 25150 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: 609-5382023; Fax: 609-5382017 - Sultan Mahmud Airport, 21300 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu Darul Iman
Tel: 609-6664201; Fax: 609-6663084 - Batu Berendam Airport, 75350 Melaka
Tel: 606-3175860; Fax: 606-3175287
Sabah:
- Labuan Airport, 87008 Labuan, Sabah
Tel: 6087-415015; Fax: 6087-4129609 - Lahad Datu Airport, 91108 Lahad Datu, Sabah
Tel: 6089-881033; Fax: 6089-881618 - Sandakan Airport, 900008 Sandakan, Sabah
Tel: 6089-66604-605-; Fax: 6089-668226 - Tawau Airport, 910607-Tawau, Sabah
Tel : 6089-755819; Fax: 6089-764251
Sarawak:
- Bintutlu Airport, 97000 Bintulu, Sarawak
Tel: 6086-339163; Fax: 6086-337011 - Miri Airport, 98000 Miri, Sarawak
Tel: 6085-614242; Fax:6085-615208 - Sibu Airport, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak
Tel: 6084-307070; Fax: 6084-3070609
(b) Road
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The Penang Bridge is the longest in Asia and third longestworld.Malaysia boasts of having some of the best roads in Southeast Asia totalling about 68,000 kilometres, of which 75 per cent are paved. The North-South Highway and the East-West Highway traverse the entire country, and super bridges such as the Penang Bridge and theCauseway link the mainland to Penang island and the island republic of Singapore respectively. In the last two decades, the construction of roads in the country has been accorded priority to spur the desired economic development.
The 309 km North-South Highway project was begun in 1977 with the construction of the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban stretch. Then the Federal Highway Route 2 from Kuala Lumpur to Subang International Airport was upgraded. Simultaneous construction projects were conducted all over the country. By November 1988, the whole of Peninsular Malaysia was connected by a good road system. The government appointed a private corporation, PLUS, to manage, operate and maintain a total of 513.3 kilometres of highway routes and authorising it to collect toll charges from all highway users.
The 14-kilometre Penang Bridge, opened to the public in 1985, is the longest in Asia and third longest in the world. It was built at a total cost of RM850 million. The bridge’s main span is 225 metres long, and at its highest point is 32 metres above sea level. There are four lanes plus an extra two at the main span. A 24-hour patrol unit provides assistance to users in distress. Sea-going ships as heavy as 50,000 tonnes can pass beneath this bridge that eases traffic flow between the two industrial estates located on both sides of the waterway.
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The construction of roads has undoubtedly spurred economic development in Malaysia |
According to the Mid-Term Review of the Seventh Malaysia Plan (1996-2000), a total of 3,742 kilometres of new roads were constructed between 1996 and 1998. With the completion of eight privatised highways, the total length of privatised highways in the country increased to 1,206 kilometres. These projects include the:
- Shah Alam Expressway providing direct access to West Port in Port Klang
- North-South Central Link Expressway serving the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at Sepang
- Seremban-Port Dickson Highway
- Butterworth-Kulim Expressway
- Second Link to Singapore, and
- Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway.
Besides these privatised highways, other major road links completed during the review period include the:
- Berungis-Kota Belud Road
- Eastern Access to KLIA from Nilai
- Access road to the Kulim Hi-Tech Industrial Park, and
- Kota Tinggi Bypass.
At the same time, several road projects also commenced construction, including the construction of several new privatised highways such as the Damansara-Puchong Highway, New Pantai Highway and the upgrading of the Sungei Besi Highway.
A total of RM7,824.3 million was spent on variousroad development programmes, representing 84.9 per cent of the allocation for road-building under the Seventh Malaysia Plan. In addition, the private sector also expended a total of RM7,062 million or 45.3 per cent of the planned private investment for the development of privatised highways.
In line with the Government’s policy to encourage private sector participation, particularly in the provision of infrastructure, a total of 14 new concession agreements were signed for privatised roads.
Malaysia is well-covered by surface transport, the most popular mode being the bus. In town areas, several bus companies provide rapid and reliable transport at very affordable prices. Comfortable inter-state express buses are a popular mode of transport for long distance travelers. Malaysians drive on the left-hand side of the road. In the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, the road system is augmented by river transport.
(c) Rail
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Railway is one of the most important and economical form of passenger and freight transport in Malaysia. The first steam engine in Malaysia chugged along the 12.8 kilometre railway tracks from Taiping to Port Weld, now known as Kuala Sepetang, in 1885, carrying tin ore from the inland mines to the seaport. This was followed by a flurry of railway track-building throughout the country, as follows:
- 1893 - train service between Tapah Road - Teluk Intan introduced.
1903 - KL - Prai
1909 - KL - Gemas - Johor Bahru
1913 - Padang Besar - Singapore
1950s - the advent of diesel locomotives
1990s - advent of the electric trains.
In 1992, more than eight million passengers travelled on Malayan Railways (KTM), which has introduced many value-added services and also added numerous daily long haul services. These include Express Rakyat, Express Sinaran, Sumpitan Emas, Express Langkawi, Senandung Malam, and International Express.
Today, as a public listed company, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) operates more than 2000 kilometres of rail tracks throughout Peninsular Malaysia and runs an efficient inter-city passenger services, commuter services and freight trains.
The railway network spans from Padang Besar in the north to Singapore in the south on the west corridor. This line passes through all the major cities and town in western Malaysia like Butterworth, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Seremban and Johor Bahru. The line in the east coast branches off from Gemas to Tumpat. KTMB’s track is also linked to the railway in Thailand via Padang Besar and Rantau Panjang. One can take a through train from Singapore to Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur on the same gauge track. All the major ports such Port Klang, Penang Port and Pasir Gudang port are all effectively linked by KTMB’s network through various branch lines suitable for bulk and intermodal transportation.
In the effort to increase freight transportation by rail, a number of major projects are being undertaken during the Seventh Malaysia Plan (1996-2000). These include the construction of rail links to the West Port in Port Klang and to the Segamat Inland Port, both of which were completed in December 1998. The construction of a rail link to the North Butterworth Container Terminal commenced at the end of 1997. It adds on to the container services that run between the country’s rail-connected ports, inland stations and inland clearance depots.
The KTM Commuter system brought the Malaysian railway system into a new era of modernisation applying state-of-the-art technology. The project, costing a hefty RM1.5 billion, officially begun on 17 August 1989. The double tracking project involves the construction of a second line between Rawang and Seremban and between KL and Port Kelang including a spur line to Sentul. It also involves upgrading the entire infrastructure with the construction of some 15 new stations, 19 halts, 51 bridges and 272 culverts. A total of 400 kms of single track has been electrified via an overhead catenary system.
The main objectives of the double tracking project are:-
- to upgrade Malaysia’s transport infrastructure
- to alleviate road traffic congestion problems in the Klang Valley
- to shorten travelling time, and
- to provide an alternative mode of public transport.
Known as ‘KTM Komuter’, the system serves as a suburban railway service that runs outside the city of Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. Its fully air-conditioned electric train service began operations on 14 August 1995. The first such commuter service of its kind in Malaysia, KTM Komuter is changing the entire commuting patterns for residents in and around the Klang Valley. The service uses Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) running on a 25 kV AC system, covering the Rawang-Seremban and Sentul-Port Klang sectors, both passing through Kuala Lumpur.
To enhance commuter train capacity in the Klang Valley, KTMB has expanded its commuter service fleet by an additional 44 EMUs, bringing the total to 62 units. The expanded fleet was commissioned for operations in December 1997. Commuter traffic increased significantly from 11.1 million passengers in 1996 to 20.3 million passengers in 1998.
The introduction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) System 1 is another effort made towards easing the traffic congestion woes in the Klang Valley. After 10 years of planning, the LRT finally became a reality in December 1996, and is rapidly changing the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Fast and cheap, the LRT provides a practical alternative for urbanites commuting to and from work everyday.
Under Phase One, 17 LRT trains were introduced, each consisting of two cars measuring 28 metres long and 2.68 metres wide, with 6 doors on each side. The maximum capacity is 396 passengers per car, or 792 per train. The maximum waiting time between trains is a mere three minutes. Phase 1 is managed by Sistem Transit Aliran Ringan (STAR).
Under Phase Two, another 12 stations were constructed in the northern and southern residential areas. The number of trains were increased to 30, each pulling three cars thus increasing the capacity to 1188 passengers. Waiting time has decreased to about 2 minutes. Phase Two, targeted to provide an essential commuter service to the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex, began commercial operations in July 1998 in time for the XVI Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games in 1998. During the Games period, the 11.8-kilometre link played a crucial role in the efficient movement of 1.7 million passengers.
An additional 3.2 kilometres of tracks were completed in December 1998 between the Sultan Ismail and Sentul Timur stations. By end 1998, the LRT system in Klang Valley operated a total route length of 41.5 kilometres. Phase Two is managed by Projek Usahasama Transit Aliran Ringan Automatik Sdn Bhd (PUTRA).
The LRT is designed and manufactured to international standards. The car body, from Australia, is made of stainless steel while the electro-mechanical equipment is designed in Germany by AEG Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH. The train is assembled locally by STAR staff trained overseas. Maintenance checks for the cars, focusing upon reliability, begin at 5000 km and increase at every additional 5000 km. Track maintenance is conducted by a service train that runs ahead of the first train. Train movements all along the line are monitored from a central control room.
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The Bandar Sunway Monorail is Malaysia's first privately owned monorail operating within a township . |
Another major project which is currently undertaken to improve rail transport is the construction of Kuala Lumpur Sentral. This is an integrated railway complex in Brickfields with state-of-the-art facilities and a bigger capacity than the existing Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. The proposed rail complex is an integrated transport terminal, interfacing the KTMB commuter service, LRT, buses, taxis and the privatised Express Rail Link (ERL) which will provide direct rail services to the new KLIA. The Kuala Lumpur Central will also include a city air terminal to provide check-in facilities for air passengers.
By April 2002, Kuala Lumpur will have a monorail system as a crucial link in its urban integrated transportation network. The Kuala Lumpur People Mover Rapid Transit System (KL PRT) project, started in January 1997, involves the development, construction, management, operation and maintenance of the public transportation system from the Jalan Tun Razak Bus Terminal to Kampung Pasir in Jalan Kelang Lama, covering a distance of 16 kilometres through the busiest parts of the city. The project also involves the construction of 20 monorail stations including associated power substations and two depots; and also the purchase of 14 monorail trains.
(d) Sea
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Ninety per cent of Malaysia's international trade is conducted via its seaports.
More than 90 per cent of Malaysia’s international trade is conducted through seaports and this factor has greatly supported the growth and expansion of seaborne trade. Altogether, there are 21 seaports: 14 in Peninsular Malaysia, three in Sabah and three in Sarawak.
Six of the port authorities come under the purview of the Federal Ministry of Transport. They are the Klang Port Authority, Johor Port Authority, Kuantan Port Authority, Penang Port Sdn Bhd, Kemaman Port Authority and Bintulu Port Sdn. Bhd.
The minor ports in Sabah and Sarawak fall under the jurisdiction of their respective state governments. The port of Bintulu in Sarawak is one of the most modern and efficient multi-purpose ports in Southeast Asia while the riverine port of Kuching, with its good air and road links, serves as a major distribution point to other parts of the state.
The total capacity of Malaysian ports increased from 174.1 million tonnes to 275.2 million tonnes. At the same time, the volume of cargo handled increased by 5.9 per cent per annum, from 152.3 million tonnes in 1995 to 180.9 million tonnes in 1998. Containerised cargo recorded the fastest growth rate at 10.9 per cent per annum. Port Klang handled increasing volume of containers from 1.1 million TEUs in 1995 to 1.8 million TEUs in 1998.
Thevolume of cargo handled by the five major ports in Malaysia was 132.9 million freight weight tonnes in 1999, while container throughput achieved a record high of 3.84 million TEUs. The number of ships registered in Malaysia increased 12 per cent per annum from 2,132 in 1995 to 3,000 in 1998, while total shipping tonnage capacity for the period increased from 6.2m to 7.2m deadweight tonnes.
Malaysia’s biggest trade intersection is Port Klang, facilitating trade with over 120 countries worldwide and serving more than 600 shipping lines that call at the port. Formed in 1963, the Klang Port Authority is a statutory body that has taken over the operations of the port from the Malayan Railway Administration. Following privatisation, the name was changed to Klang Port Management Sdn. Bhd. (KPM). It is responsible for all marine services, fire services, motor supply, and security aspects of the port as a whole, which has a capacity of 92.2 million tonnes and 7,994 metre-length berth facilities.
As at end of 1999, the total throughput was 23.6 million freight weight tonnes. According to a news report (Star, 10 April 2000), Port Klang ranks number 14 among the world’s top container ports in 1999 with a throughput of more than 2.55 million TEUs, an increase of 40 per cent over 1998. In addition, KPM also operates and complements the container handling capabilities of theKlang Port Container Terminal (KCT).
Port Klang was gazetted as a free commercial zone (FCZ) in 1993. This means that any goods that enter the free zones are not subject to custom duties until they leave the free zones as imports and for distribution in the country. The FCZ assures users of the simple documentation and procedures for cargo consolidation, transhipment, entrepot traffic and value-added services.
This positive port trading environment is further defined with the implementation of the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) community system. The system links the Port authority with Customs, port operators, importers/exporters, hauliers, banks and other transport operators.
Most of the major ports in Malaysia are equipped with the Advanced Immigration Clearance System (AICS), and the pre-customs clearance for container operations as well as the simplification of trade documentation procedures.
Meanwhile, a new seaport, dubbed as the Year 2000 Port, has commenced first phase operations in the southernmost state of Johor. The Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Gelang Patah is a huge, modern and well-equipped port. It has two berths with annual capacity of 500,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) which will be increased to 3.8 million TEUs when fully operational. The deep water port with berths of up to 16 metres deep, is supported by a 12.6 km approach channel with a 250-metre wide and a 600-metre turning basin. The entire project, spread over 774 hectares will be developed in five phases, the first phase alone costing RM4 billion. The Port of Tanjung Pelepas is envisioned to become an ideal transhipment hub due to its strategic location at the confluence of major international shipping routes.
The olderJohor Port in Pasir Gudang, when first commissioned in mid-1977, had the capacity for handling 650,000 tonnes of dry cargo and 1.5 million tonnes of liquid cargo. Presently, its capacity has increased to over 10 million tonnes of cargo per year. The port has six berths including one twin berth oil jetty in the Liquid Cargo Zone and two ocean wharves, a wharf for bulk cargoes, a container wharf in the dry cargo zone, two 710-metre long container wharves, and a jetty specifically equipped for handling hazardous cargo.
The Kuantan Port is located at Tanjung Gelang, about 25 kms north of Kuantan. This port has an extensive hinterland which covers the three east coast states of Peninsular Malaysia, namely Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. The major export commodities of the area are timber and palm oil.
The Port of Penang is an international seaport located strategically in the Straits of Melaka, on the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It serves as an important transhipment centre for cargo to and from countries in the region. It is an ideal all-weather haven for ships from the East and West.
The port of Penang is operated, managed and maintained by a private company, Penang Port Private Limited. The company operates five terminals: the Butterworth Wharves, Prai Bulk Cargo Terminal, Swettenham Pier, the Vegetable Oil Tanker Pier and Prai Wharf. With an efficient and skilled workforce in addition to modern facilities and equipment, the company provides cargo handling facilities plus marine, ferry dockyard, fire-fighting and ancillary services.
The port facilities comprise a container yard measuring 25,000 square metres, an open handstanding area of 48,000 square metres, two warehouses of 5,000 square metres each, three transit sheds of 5,000 square metres each, and other facilities such as outer and inner palm oil berths, and conventional berths.
Near the operational area, 17.4 hectares of land has been set aside for commercial development to enable shipping and other related companies to set up offices, warehouses and other facilities.
The Malaysian International Shipping Corporation Berhad (MISC) is the leading national shipping line of Malaysia. It is ranked among the world’s leading shipping firms, with services reaching out to the east and west coasts of the U.S.A, and major destinations in Asia and Europe. Incorporated on 6 November 1968, its principal activities are ship-owning, ship operating, and other services related to shipping. MISC’s first sea-going vessel, the KD Bunga Raya, was acquired in 1970. This vessel is the forerunner of Malaysia’s modern merchant shipping fleet. Today, MISC has a modern and well-diversified fleet comprising 129 vessels, including 29 container ships, with a combined tonnage of 1.54 million dwt.
With the privatisation of the six port operators, it has become increasingly pertinent to have a strong single regulatory authority to ensure compliance to national policies, objectives and strategies. The restructuring of the six regulatory port authorities into the proposed National Port Authority (NPA) is expected to become effective by the end of 2000. Among other things, NPA will formulate an integrated long-term national port development master plan, trade facilitation, guidelines for R&D, marketing and promotion strategy. It will give clear policy direction that will reduce wastage, avoid duplication and over-building of facilities and minimise costs among port operators. At the same time, professionalism, productivity, efficiency and quality of port-related services are expected to improve in line with pre-determined performance standards and more effective monitoring.
Simultaneously, the formation of the Federation of Malaysian Port Operating Companies, consisting of seven private port operators, will strengthen and harmonise their activities in line with national port policies and standards. The local shipping industry is expected to consolidate and take more strategic measures such as leasing arrangements and global alliances with the aim to improve services, gain economies of scale, lower costs and share risks. Benefits will accrue in the areas of logistics management, leasing of containers, purchases of spare parts and training. The conversion of the existing RM 1.1 billion Shipping Fund into a revolving fund as a measure to expand shipping capacity will be studied. By the end of the Seventh Malaysia Plan period (1996-2000), the number of ships registered in Malaysia is expected to increase to 3,500 ships with a total capacity of 7.5 million dwt.
The safety of maritime navigation and the reduction of maritime pollution especially in the Straits of Melaka are at the top of the list of priorities. This move is in line with the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, and other conventions including those relating to the preservation of coastal marine environment. In this regard, the Marine Department will play a more effective enforcement role through the installation of advanced navigational aids and equipment, and implementation of the Traffic Separation System and Vessel Traffic Services to monitor the movement of ships.
b. COMMUNICATION
(a) Telecommunications
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Malaysia’s passage into the new millennium is led by Telekom Malaysia, a local corporation which has attained for itself the status of a world-class communications company. Originally known as the Telecoms Department, the entity has graduated through various stages to become the main operator of telecommunications in the country. On 7 November 1990, it became a public listed company, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TMB), and immediately took up the role of spearheading Malaysia’s advancement into the Information Age. In full support of the Government’s commitment to Vision 2020, TMB plans to have a fully digitalised transmission system by the year 2020.
As lead player, TMB’s strategic push into the new age of telecommunication technology embraces several factors, among them:
- To maintain its technological lead by keeping abreast with developments in digital technology and Internet services
- To develop a vibrant multimedia industry, serving as the primary platform for the planned evolution of the K-economy
- To focus on high performance Internet and e-commerce activities, thereby transforming the business landscape in Malaysia and honing national ability to compete effectively in the global arena
Malaysia's passage into the new millennium is led by Telekom Malaysia.
- To provide the enabling infrastructure that will see through Malaysia’s achievement of its Vision 2020 goals
- To re-structure, commercially and voluntarily, in the quest for growth and innovation targetted at more aggressive and competitive business strategies, and
- To become globally connected and to rightfully position itself to seize the emerging new opportunities in the newly restructured telecommunications industry worldwide.
TMB operates an extensive highly developed local and international telecommunications network offering a full range of facilities comprising voice, message and data communications. With an operating revenue of RM7.883 billion (more than US$2 billion) and some 30,000 employees nationwide, the company functions in an increasingly competitive and constantly evolving marketplace.
The services offered by TMB to its widely diverging new generation client base range from fixed line and cellular telephony to Internet delivered products, and from urban broadband multimedia to radio in local loop for rural communities. Over the years, its role has evolved into that of an enabler delivering voice, broadcast, data and a host of affordable multimedia services to home and business users. Between 60 to 70 per cent of Internet penetration in Malaysia is serviced by TMB.
TMB remains committed to meeting the needs of what has now become clearly differentiated market segments from Government and major international businesses to small enterprises and the domestic consumer. Ultimately, its greatest strength lies in its network structure, including more than 155,000 kilometres of fibre optic in the national long distance and the national digital microwave networks. An enhancement programme is underway to deliver broad-based services to a seamless integrated network.
The extensive fibre optic submarine cable system, spanning Europe to Japan via the Middle East, involves 39 cable landing points including Penang and Mersing, Johor. By the third quarter of 2001, another fibre connection will link Penang and Capetown as part of an overall plan for end-to-end global connectivity. TMB is also engaged in ongoing R&D to provide strategic supply flexibility and interconnectivity with other national and international networks.
Apart from TMB, there are currently six other private operators providing duplicate telephony services in the country. They are Celcom, Mutiara Digi 1800, Sapura Adam, TMTouch (owned by TMB), Mobikom Mobifon 800, and Maxis Communications. Effective January 1999, equal access, made possible through interconnectivity among the telecommunications operators, will permit customers the choice of using the services of any of the five telecommunication companies through an access code.
Under the ongoing Seventh Malaysia Plan (1996-2000), the telecommunication subsector is rcognised as one of the highest growth sectors of the economy with the advancement of telecomunication technology. The thrust of this subsector is to increase capacity as well as introduce new services through new technologies and upgrading of existing networks. Investments in new technologies are expected to spur the growth of telecommunications infrastructure and services, thus enabling the nation to acquire a competitive edge in IT.
The number of direct exchange lines (DEL) increased to 4.5 million, resulting in an improvement in the national penetration rate to 22.5 telephones per 100 persons in 1998. Rural penetration rate stood at 10.7 per 100 persons in 1998. The use of cellular phones grew at the rapid rate of 60.6 per cent per annum due to its convenience as a means of communication. The number of subscribers of cellular phone service increased to more than 2.1 million in 1998. The cellular phone penetration rate thus, increased to 13.3 per 100 persons in 1998. At the end of 1998, subscribers to the digital system accounted for 44 per cent of the total.
The convergence of telecommunications, broadcasting and IT and multimedia technologies as well as globalisation of these sectors are expected to present vast potential and challenges for telecommunications operators. The expansion of telecommunications infrastructure as well as services will incorporate the market potential offered by the three sectors.
In this respect, an open multimedia network architecture based on the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology capable of multi-protocol user interfaces, particularly in the Multimedia Super Corridor, will be developed. This infrastructure will enable the distribution of voice, data and graphics in support of IT and multimedia applications. In order to ensure the comprehensive development of the three converged sectors, a new regulatory body, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission was established in 1999 to streamline activities as contained in the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The ‘00’ international gateways located in Kuantan, Kelana Jaya and Jalan Raja Chulan enable Malaysian telephone users to communicate instantly and directly to more than 200 countries around the world. This facility allows customers to enjoy cheaper, convenient and faster connections for overseas calls. TMB payphone services cover all urban areas and a large part of rural areas. There are three types of payphones: the coinphone that operates on coins, the KADFON which uses prepaid phone cards, and the creditcard phones which accept major credit cards.
TMB has introduced new packages called TMISDN 2000 PROMO to make the integrated services digital network (ISDN) more affordable for its customers. The TM One Plan is a discount plan that provides customers with real savings on the phone calls they make. Its numerous otherproducts and services include the PABX tie-line, leased speech circuit, itemised billing, enhanced facilities, home country direct (HCD) calls, Telecaj 1091, Malaysia Direct, Telecard, Centrex, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Leased Line, Datel, Maypac, Telita, Maycis, Telemail, Telex, Leased Facsimile Circuit, Telex World Letter, Bureaufax, Bureaucard, Birofon, Faxplus, Toll free lines and TM Teleinfo which provides a vast range of information links from academic to religious, legal to medical, and stockmarket movements to government-related matters.
In April 2000, TMB and 46 leaders in the telecommunications industry signed the construction and maintenance agreement for building the first self-healing high band-width optical fibre submarine cable system in the Asia-Pacific region.
(b) Satellites
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The second half of the 90s witnessed impressive expansion and upgrading in Malaysia’s telecommunication network. Today, it has one of the most developed telecommunications infrastructure among the industrialising countries in the Asia-Pacific region. International communications have been made easy with the introduction of state-of-the-art technology in telephone, telex, telefax and video conferencing services as well as other data transmission and networking facilities. These, complemented by the latest digital and fibre optics technology, provide high quality telecommunication services at affordable prices.
Malaysia’s first satellite, the Malaysia East Asia Satellite (MEASAT-1), was launched into space on the morning of 13 January 1996 from the European Space Centre in Kourou, French Guyana, South America.
Owned and operated by Malaysian corporation Binariang Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd (BSS), this advanced hybrid 12 36 MHz C and five 54 MHz Ku-band payload satellite system provides an ideal medium to link Malaysians to one another as well as to their East Asian neighbours. It not only highlights Malaysia’s role as the regional communications hub in Asia but also forms an integral part of the country’s communications and broadcasting needs.
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MEASAT-1, launched in January 1996, marks Malaysia's entry into space age. |
Situated at 91.5 degrees east, MEASAT-1’s C-band footprint covers a major part of East Asia. Apart from Malaysia, it also covers the Philippines, Hong Kong, Kampuchea, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and parts of southern China, northern Australia and Guam.
The country’s second satellite, MEASAT-2, was successfully put into orbit on 14 November 1996, also by BSS. The launch, telecast ‘live’ to Malaysia, was witnessed by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, the then Minister of Information Mohamed Rahmat, Binariang chairman Hanif Omar, shareholder T. Ananda Krishnan, Arianespace chairman and CEO Charles Bigot, opposition party stalwart Lim Kit Siang and over 100 guests from Malaysia.
MEASAT-2 can serve four 72 MHz C-band and nine 48 MHz Ku-band transponders. At the orbital location of 148°E, it provides reliable C-band broadcasting and communications in East Asia, Eastern Australia and United States via Hawaii. The C and Ku-band payload are designed to provide the best EIRP and G/T performances in the region. Besides high tolerance to rain attenuation and interference, the high EIRP and G/T performances will translate to lower ground equipment costs for end users.
Both satellites, launched by Ariannespace, are driven by the high-powered HS376 spacecraft -built by Hughes Space and Communications of the U.S.A., which allows for optimum coverage over the East Asian Region.
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The launching of Malaysia first satellite,MEASAT-1 into orbit |
Their Ku-band capacity offers reliable Direct-to-User (DTU) televison and broadcasting services, providing multiple digital and analogue television and radio channels and high-speed data channels. In addition, they offer a range of interactive services as well as integrated voice, data and video applications using Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology.
Programmes are broadcast in multiple languages via multiple audio tracks giving a variety of choices to the subscriber to select the language of his/her choice. The MEASAT Broadcast digital transmissions provide laser disc quality pictures and compact disc quality stereo sound.
Telemetry, Tracking and Control (TT&C) is carried out from the MEASAT Satellite Control Centre on Langkawi island, off the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, which has been identified as the nation's aerospace center. The centre is manned by 25 Malaysians, comprising space craft and ground engineers, controllers and orbit analysts, most of whom received training at either the Hughes Space and Communications in the United States, or OPTUS in Australia.
To date, MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd has invested more than RM 1.5 billion (about US$395 million) in the combined All Asia Broadcast Centre satellite systems, production facilities and original programming.
The company has been licensed by the Malaysian Government to provide broadcasting services utilising a mix of satellite, wired and wireless transmission systems, and DTU services which utilise the high-powered Ku-Band payload of the MEASAT system. Introduced simultaneously in mid-1996, these services include 22 video channels and 8 channels of digital radio and music services.
BSS was awarded the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) status on 17 October 1997 by the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC). As a MSC-Status company, BSS is now part of a pioneering group officially designated by the Government to be key players in the MSC initiative.
The MEASAT System will provide the Corridor with a technologically advanced communications system for regional and intra MSC links with the inherent ability to support the development of multimedia technology and applications.
Dubbed the Silicon Valley of the East by the Asian Wall Street Journal, the MSC encompasses an area of 15km by 50km and extends from Kuala Lumpur in the north to the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport in the south. The MSC will be the regional focal point and natural hub for high value, high technology industries from the upper end of the multimedia value-chain.
Leading the development of the MSC are seven Flagship Applications. These are electronic government, telemedicine, smart cards, smart schools, research and development clusters, worldwide manufacturing web and borderless marketing. Ultimately, the MSC will spawn other cybercities throughout Malaysia, all linked by state-of-the-art communications infrastructure. The MEASAT System is an integral component of this linkage.
Malaysia's strategic goal is to become a fully developed and industrialised nation by the year 2020. Known as Vision 2020, the plan will also transform Malaysia into a regional information technology (IT) and telecommunications hub. Malaysia's IT-literate society will be the main driver of the nation's progress and will be well-geared to tap the vast potential created by the irresistible force of multimedia convergence sweeping the globe.
Binariang Sdn Bhd is identifying and improving technical specifications for switches and transmission-related issues such as mapping, plotting, and engineering for nationwide operations in 1999. The company uses a hybrid architecture combining fibre and coaxials that allow the utilisation of intelligent network services such as enhanced telephony, cable and satellite broadcasting, and multi-media services over a single line.
Public services benefit tremendously from satellite-based networks. Some of these are issuance of registration and identity cards and passports. Also, with the advent of satellite TV and a multitude of new programmes, many talented writers are devoting their creative skills towards electronic stage productions.
The impact of the satellite system on distance learning is incalculable. Rural classroom teaching will be radically transformed. School children will be able to attend daily classes in classrooms and later, at home by watching video broadcasts. The continuous contact between the teacher and the student can be maintained at all times through the video or e-mail network.
The Malaysian Government, in collaboration with Binariang and local universities, has established the Malaysia Space and Technology Research Group (MAXSTAR) to further develop Malaysian capabilities in this area.
The company's future plans include the launching of more satellites from the year 2000 onwards. Apart from providing backup services to the existing satellites, these new high-powered satellites will provide a variety of services and applications from VSAT, Internet to DTU broadcasting and will also incorporate Ka-band payload for providing high data rate services such as trunking, high speed Internet and multimedia applications.
(c) Postal Service
The Malaysian postal service, at 127 years, is one of the oldest institutions in the country. It has undergone tremendous changes over the years, and on 1 January 1992, became a corporate entity known as Pos Malaysia Berhad. It offers a wide range of services.
Its mail service includes the conveyance and delivery of letters, printed papers and parcels by air, sea, rail and road. The main carriers are postal vans, Malayan Railways and Malaysia Airlines. In the cities and the larger towns, motorcycles are widely used to deliver letters speedily. Private letter boxes are available at the larger post offices, while the locked bag and window delivery services are available at all post offices having delivery services. Pos Malaysia has set before itself realistic service standards i.e. next day delivery after posting for local mail delivery, 2 days between major towns and 3-4 days between other places in the country.
Pos Malaysia operates a network of over 6,000 outlets comprising Post Offices, Mini Post Offices, Mobile Post Offices, Post Shops, Postal Agencies and Stamp Vendors. It employs a workforce of more than 12,000 full-time employees and 3,500 private individuals performing a range of postal services throughout the country. Annually, an average of 1 billion letters and parcels are delivered to more than 3 million households. Of this amount, 85 per cent comprise domestic letters, 10 per cent letters for destinations abroad, and 5 per cent inbound letters from abroad.
Pos Malaysia also providesagency services on behalf of public and private organisations, making it the biggest one service centre in the country. Customers can make payments for a wide range of utility and other bills, such as electricity, water, telephone and sanitation bills, and also renew their road tax, driving licences, business registration and pay custom duties on postal items. Festive cards, phonecards, Customs and Immigration forms as well as application forms for admission into local institutions of higher learning can be bought over the counter.
The Public Services Network (PSN) online application system is a joint effort between Pos Malaysia, Permodalan Nasional (PNB), and the Malaysian Administrative, Modernization and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU), which enables the services of the various Government agencies to be transacted by the public at the post office counters. Officially launched by the Government in May 1994, the system aims to provide quality services to the public through service counters, assist the Government and agencies in providing counter service facilities to the public and to assist the Government and agencies in integrating their business processes.
Pos Malaysia offers both postal order and money order services. There are two types of postal orders: the Malaysian postal order which can be cashed within Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei; and the British postal order which can be used in most Commonwealth countries. The telegraph money order service is available for the quick remittance of money to places within Malaysia and also to some foreign countries.
Where parking facilities are inadequate, drive-in counters have been introduced to cater for customers’ needs and convenience. In many places, Pos 2020 retail outlets have been established to provide enhanced quality service. Pos Malaysia has introduced the Corporate Mail Management service for large business firms located in high rise buildings. The package includes the management of mail distribution within their premises as well as the regular collection and delivery of mail at the Post Office.
Aware of its community obligations, Pos Malaysia has initiated a book loan service in cooperation with the National Library. As a special service for the blind, the postal service delivers free of charge papers with Braille lettering and plates in Braille, provided they are unsealed and do not exceed 7 kilogrammes in weight. The free service covers registration charges, charges for postal declarations, express services, enquiries and cash on delivery.
The Malaysian national postcode was launched on 1 October 1985. It was developed with the help of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) under the Third World Section of the United Nations Development Programme. This code has been adopted as part of the government’s plan for the mechanisation and modernisation of the postal services. Once the automated processing of mail is fully operational, all letters not using the postcode will be rejected by the machines.
Poslaju or "Expedited Mail Service" is Pos Malaysia’s own courier service. Poslaju, designed to meet the special needs of the business community for a rapid and reliable transmission of urgent documents, packets and samples, guarantees efficient, on-time service or a full-charge refund. Presently, this service is available to 55 countries internationally and over 400 centres nationwide. Poslaju employs advance tracking system to monitor and locate the courier items and respond quickly to customer’s enquiries.
In order to ease the problem of congestion, Pos Malaysia has taken steps to upgrade mail processing by building four plants in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Johor where mail traffic is the highest. The Kuala Lumpur Centre has also been modernised by the installation of new equipment and facilities.
Apart from offering an excellent philately service, Pos Malaysia also has philatelic gallery for discerning collectors. Customers can open a Standing Order Deposit Account (SODA) with a minimum deposit of RM25 (about US$6.50), and receive philatelic items on a regular basis. They can also utilise the Mail Order Service or the Advance Order Service for forthcoming issue of First day Covers and the accompanying stamps a week before the date of release. Pos Malaysia also makes available foreign philatelic products for its customers.
c. PUBLIC UTILITIES
(a) Electricity
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Tenaga Nasional Berhad's power pylons.The first hydroelectric plant, which still functions till this day, was constructed on Sungai Sempam near Raub, Pahang, in 1900 by the Raub-Australian mining company. At the advent of the Second World War in 1939, only Perlis and Terengganu were still left without public electricity supply. In those days, the largest single producer in the country was the Perak River hydroelectric power station.
The National Electricity Board was formed in 1949, and 41 years later, on September 1, 1990, was corporatised to become Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). In Sabah and Sarawak, public electricity supplies before World War Two were confined to local installation in the main towns, such as Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan.
Since its inception, TNB has played an instrumental role in helping the Government to improve the standard of living for Malaysians across the nation, whether in urban or rural areas. It has directly contributed to Malaysia’s phenomenal industrial development over the past two decades. The industrial sector consumes about 57 per cent of the country’s power supply. TNB’s extensive electrical network serves as one of the major factors in attracting foreign investments into Malaysia.
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Tenaga National Bhd supply intake station. |
After electricity has been generated, it is delivered throughout the Peninsula via a transmission system known as the National Grid. The National Grid spans 13,889m, operating mainly at 132kV and 275kV, and connects the power stations to load centres. The rapid growth in electricity demand in Malaysia has resulted in TNB installing a500kV network as the new backbone for the transmission grid. The National Grid is connected with the transmission system of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in the north through a 117MVA, 132kV Single Circuit Line. In the south, it is connected with the transmission system of Singapore Power Ltd (SP) from the Sultan Iskandar Power Station to SP’s Senoko Power Station through two 250MVA - 230kV transmission lines and submarine cables.
Major power stations are strategically located throughout Peninsular Malaysia and electricity is generated by conventional thermal, gas turbines, combined cycle and hydro plants. TNB had begun to aggressively pursue its fuel diversification policy since the early 1980s. The four-fuel strategy of gas, coal, oil and hydro is to diversify the utility from being overdependent on any one source of primary energy. This has resulted in a major reduction of dependence on oil. In line with the government’s policy to promote the use of renewable energy, hydroelectricity is being promoted. The 600 megawatt (MW) Pergau Hydroelectric Power Plant was commissioned in December 1997. In addition, the capacity of the Sungai Piah Hydroelectric Power Plant was upgraded to 55.4MW in 1998.
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Kuala Lumpur by night |
Electrical energy is distributed to customers through an extensive distribution system normally at low voltage of 33kV and below. The distribution system represents the final linkage between the customers and the power stations. For higher voltage requirements, transmission substations are directly linked to major customers.
TNB and Fibre Communications Network (M) Sdn Bhd have jointly installed more than 4,000km of optical fibre cables on TNB’s transmission lines for the development of a fully digital telecommunications network. Fibre optics communications system is essential for reliable, secure and high speed telecommunications service for enhanced electric power generation, transmission and operation. To complement the fibre optics development, a major digital power line carrier project involving 35 substations has been implemented.
Other than TNB, there are five Independent Power Producers. They are Segari Energy Ventures Sdn Bhd, YTL Power Generation Sdn Bhd, Powertek Berhad, Port Dickson Power Sdn Bhd and Genting Sanyen Power Sdn Bhd. TNB has entered into power purchase agreements with all five parties for the purchase of electricity from their facilities.
In Sabah, the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), a subsidiary of TNB, controls electricity supply in the state, while in Sarawak this responsibility falls under the Sarawak Electricity Supply Corporation (SESCO).
The totalinstalled capacity of electricity stood at 13,696 megawatts in 1998. This is expected to increase to 14,996 megawatts in the year 2000.
In an effort to create a competitive electricity supply industry and promote its efficiency, an Independent Grid System Operator (IGSO) will be operationalised in 2000. The structure and functions of the IGSO are designed to ensure the economic despatch of electricity while maintaining systems integrity. The IGSO will focus on least-cost despatch planning which will ultimately be developed into power pooling, trading and settlement as well as systems operation planning and long-term generation. Therewith, it is expected that a more competitive tariff will be put in place for the benefit of electricity consumers.
(b) Water
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About 97 per cent of water supply sources in Malaysia is from surface water, while the remaining 3 per cent is from ground water. The public water supply is jointly administered by three authorities: the state public works department, state water supply department, and the state water board. Together, they plan, design, construct and maintain the public amenity service.
The Water Supply Division in the Federal Public Works Department (PWD) offers consultancy and technical advice to the various state-level PWDs and Water Supply Departments. The Division also acts as the coordinating agency for all water supply projects funded by the Federal Government.
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In recent years, however, several water supply projects have been privatised. Under the Sixth Malaysia Plan (1990-95), the construction of the Greater Ipoh Phase II and the Krian, Larut and Matang Phase II projects on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis were completed. In addition, several treatment plants in Kedah, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor were privatised. In 1994, the Johor State Water Department became the first state water authority to be corporatised in the country.
(c) Oil and Gas
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The history of the petroleum industry in Malaysia began with the discovery of oil in Miri, Sarawak, in 1882. However, it was not until 1910 when commercial exploitation was undertaken by the forerunner of Sarawak Shell. Thereafter, petroleum became the mainstay of the state’s economy for the next three decades until the outbreak of World War Two in the Pacific region in 1941. After the war in 1945, the Miri wells were rehabilitated and production resumed, but production steadily declined over the years.
In the early 1970s, new offshore oilfields and also large areas of natural gas were discovered simultaneously off Sarawak, Sabah and Terengganu. The gas reserves totaling some 80.8 trillion cubic feet can serve as a back-up for about 40 years. These resources were immediately exploited by the national oil company, Petronas. By the end of the decade Malaysia had become a net producer of petroleum. In 1999, Malaysia’s production of crude oil reached 693,200 barrels per day (bpd), while gas attained 3,802 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd).
In the 26 years since its inception, Petronas has steadily expanded its business portfolio to be involved in all sectors of the petroleum industry. At present, it has 37 producing oil fields in Malaysia. These oil fields produce five blends of crude: Tapis, Labuan, Miri, Bintulu and Dulang. All of these blends are of high quality and generally command a premium price over benchmark Brent crudes on the world market.
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An oil tanker with its precious cargo of black gold. |
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Oil and gas are the main fuels used in power prodction in modern Malaysia. |
To maximise the use and add value to Malaysia's abundant gas resources, Petronas has embarked on several gas processing, transmission, development and utilisation projects in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. These projects include the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in Bintulu, Sarawak, the Peninsular Gas Utilisation Project (PGU) in Peninsular Malaysia, gas supply to the western coast of Sabah and other gas-based projects.
Petronas Gas Berhad, a wholly-owned Petronas subsidiary, was established in 1983 to implement the PGU project. It is principally a throughput service company engaged in the processing of natural gas from gas fields off Terengganu and the transmission of processed gas to end-users throughout Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. The company also owns and operates a 50 kilometre distribution pipeline in Miri, Sarawak.
The PGU project was instrumental in launching Malaysia into the gas era. It comprises three phases. Phase 1 (PGU-I) involved the construction of a 125 kilometre pipeline for the transmission and distribution of gas, and was completed in 1984. PGU-II, completed in 1992, entailed the laying of a trans-peninsular pipeline from the east to the west coast, and south into Singapore. PGU-III involved a further extension of the pipeline northwards across the Malaysian-Thai border. Upon total completion of the project in 1997, piped gas is now available to most residential, commercial and industrial sectors in the country. The entire PGU system now extends over 1,420 km in length.
In addition, Petronas Gas Berhad is investing RM1.2 billion in the construction of a pipeline parallel to PGU-II that stretches from Kerteh in Terengganu, to the Klang Valley via Segamat. Its completion will increase the gas transmission capacity to this area which has the greatest rate of gas utilisation.
To further enhance the reliability and security of gas supply in Peninsular Malaysia, PGU Loop I is being undertaken from Kerteh to Meru in Selangor.
Petronas Gas Berhad currently owns and operates six Gas Processing Plants (GPPs) with a combined capacity of 2,000 mmscfd and a standby processing capacity of 750 mmscfd.
The reticulation industry is governed by the Gas Supply Act 1993 and the accompanying regulations, both of which fall under the jurisdiction of the Electricty and Gas Supply Department.
To further promote the use of gas, Petronas is implementing projects involving the supply of chilled water for air-conditioning using natural gas as the main fuel for the generation plants (GDC), and as fuel for vehicles (NGV).
(d) Sanitation
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Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) personnel going down on a manhole to clear up blockages.Phase 1 was carried out from 2 July 1994 until 1 July 1997. IWK took over the public sewerage systems in the Federal capital from Kuala Lumpur City Hall in April 1994; and by August 1995, had taken over all 144 areas previously handled by the local authorities. Upon takeover, Indah Water set up 14 Unit Offices, plus several additional depots and site offices in various states, to cater for the 94 Local Authority areas in Peninsular Malaysia. The company mobilized its resources to effectively conduct operations and maintenance activities. Upon full takeover, Indah Water has 17 Unit Offices operating throughout the country.
Phase 2 and all subsequent phases will be carried out over five-year periods each until expiry of the concession agreement in 2021. In effect, the Government of Malaysia has entrusted IWK with the responsibility to treat wastewater before it is discharged into the country’s waterways. This is an important task as wastewater must be treated to :
- Help preserve drinking water sources
- Protect public health from the threat of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A, and
- Contribute towards a safer and cleaner environment for all Malaysians.
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Sludge from septic tanks undergoes further treatment prior to disposal. |
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Only clean effluent, which meets the Malaysian Department of Environment standards, is released into the waterways. |
- In order to achieve this, IWK will over the next two decades invest RM17 billion to: -
- Operate and maintain 5,400 public sewage treatment plants
- Upkeep over 7,400 kms of sewer pipes
- Desludge septic tanks on a scheduled and responsive basis and treat septic tank sludge, and
- Monitor effluent samples from sewage treatment plants to ensure they meet the Department of Environment's standards.
The company will invest an additional RM10 billion to :
- Develop modern and efficient sewerage infrastructure throughout Malaysia. It is currently building sewage treatment works in Langkawi, Labuan, Port Dickson, Penang , Ipoh and the Federal Territory .
- Refurbish and upgrade existing public sewage treatment plants and network pumping stations to maximise their operational efficiency.
- Lay 15,000km of new public sewer pipes to provide connected sewerage services to those currently receiving septic tank services. (This is approximately 17 times the length of Malaysia's North-South Highway), and
- Build modern sludge treatment facilities nationwide to ensure that sludge is disposed in an environmentally safe manner.
By the end of the concession period in 2021, IWK is committed to ensure that :
- In 49 of the Larger Local Authorities, 85 per cent of the customers will benefit from connected sewerage services and the remaining 15 per cent from septic tank services.
- In 95 of the Smaller Local Authorities, 30 per cent of the customers will benefit from connected sewerage services and the remaining 70 per cent from septic tank services.
d. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(a) Autonomous Bodies
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Creating highly-skilled technical and research manpower
The focus of the National Science & Technology Policy is to promote technological innovations.
Highly skilled manpower promises faster rate of growth in science. and technology.Among the major measures taken for a coordinated and effective approach in the planning and implementation of S&T is the establishment of the Cabinet Committee on S&T under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister to provide policy directions on S & T issues. The National Council for Scientific Research and Development, chaired by the Chief Secretary to the Government, assumes the role and responsibility of coordination and monitoring of research, science and technology activities through an interactive process among research institutions and universities and also the private sector. Further, the Council supervises the management and implementation of the Intensification of Research in Priority Areas (IRPA) programme. It is assisted by working groups assigned with the task of proposing specific measures to enhance capabilities in the key technologies of microelectronics, advanced materials, biotechnology, information technology and advanced manufacturing technology as well as energy and environmental-related technologies.
Several government institutions have been set up to offer R&D services to the private sector. These include the:
- Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems (MIMOS), which is responsible for the promotion of microelectronics technology. MIMOS supports the development of effective and efficient processes in the industrial and the services sectors.
- Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM), which helps to ensure the competitive position of Malaysian natural rubber vis-à-vis other alternatives - through increasing productivity and reducing production cost. Research efforts are dedicated to continually improve the quality of Malaysian natural rubber and to search for new natural rubber material through chemical modification.
- Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), which undertakes research and development activities on forestry and forest-based industries. Improvements in the production, extraction, processing, storage, transportation and utilization of forest produce are part of FRIM’s on-going research efforts.
- Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia (PORIM), which undertakes research and development on oil palm and palm oil and its products. Major areas of research are biology, chemistry and technology, and techno-economics. R&D activities cover all aspects of oil-palm/palm oil ranging from production, processing to end uses.
- SIRIM Berhad, formerly known as Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia, which is a multi-disciplinary research development government-owned company. Its role is to spearhead industrial research and development towards developing national capability in industrial technologies. It also undertakes the task of upgrading quality through standardisation activities and the provision of technical and consultancy services, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Malaysian industries.
- Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), which undertakes research and development and commercialisation of all crops other than rubber and oil palm, and also of livestock and food towards improving the production, processing and utilisation of agricultural produce.
In order to create a more conducive environment for private sector product innovation and encourage the involvement of industry in R&D activities, the Malaysian Government has included the provision of fiscal incentives and also infrastructure such as the Technology Park Malaysia, the Kulim Hi-Tech Park, the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation and the Malaysian Industry Group for High Technology.
Under the Seventh Malaysia Plan (1996-2000), the thrust for S&T development is honed to meet the objectives of productivity-driven growth and competitiveness. In the long term, the development of these depends on the increased use of technology, knowledge and skills to enhance competence and productivity, as well as improved standards of living. Greater emphasis will be placed on increasing indigenous innovation capability, and accelerating the strategic development of industrial technology.
To support the implementation of technology-based industrial strategies, Malaysia is promoting several forms of advanced technologies. Development in these areas, both domestically and internationally, are expected to create new investment opportunities for the economy as a whole, particularly industry. Severalcore technologies have been identified for development.
(b) Technology Parks
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High technology is the required factor to propel Malaysia towards realizing Vision 2020.Malaysia invests a lot of money in technology infrastructure to support the development of its industrial technological capabilities. Most of the nation’s industries are located in over 200 industrial estates or parks throughout the country. Specialised parks have been developed to cater to the needs of technology-intensive industries and R&D activities.
The Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP), located in the northern state of Kedah, is the first fully developed high technology industrial park in Malaysia. Officially opened by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1993, this RM1.2 billion (about US$320 million) project was undertaken by Kulim Technology Park Corporation Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Kedah State Development Corporation.
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One of the primary aims of KHTP is to propel Malaysia towards realising the goals embedded in its homegrown Vision 2020. With planning and design assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), KHTP which covers an area of 1,450 hectares incorporates numerous functions, among them industrial, research and development facilities and a new township concept with full amenities including a shopping centre, medical and educational institutions and recreational facilities.
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Another significant technology park is Technology Park Malaysia (TPM) located on 310 hectares of prime land in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, in the heart of the Multimedia Super Corridor. The first phase of the park, which comprises a total of 12 buildings and 10 R&D lots on a 73-hectare plot, has been completed at a cost of RM237 million (about US$62 million); while the second phase, valued at RM226 million (about US$59 million) is scheduled to be ready by the year 2000.
Developed in 1988 by Technology Park Malaysia Corporation Sdn Bhd, TPM aims at providing quality infrastructure and services to select innovators and companies engaged in high-tech industries.
The Composite Technology City in Melaka as well as the Subang Industrial Aerospace Park and Avionics Park, both in Selangor, are set to play an important role in building the country’s high-tech base. These three parks are expected to house corporate, academic and government tenants specializing in R&D activities related to electronics, telecommunications, new materials and biotechnology.
In addition, the Natural Resource Park in Sarawak and the Science Parks in Penang and Johor are expected to generate extensive innovation and R&D activities, particularly in the fields of plant biotechnology, microelectronics and communications, respectively.
(c) Incubators
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Incubators stimulate the growth of indigenous IT-related activities.
Malaysia’s first incubator programme was established at Technology Park Malaysia (TPM) in Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, in 1988. Subsequently, in 1995, it was moved to its permanent site at Bukit Jalil, also in the Malaysian Federal capital.
Under the incubator programme, TPM develops and maintains an Innovation House, Incubator Centres, Enterprise Houses, a Resource Centre and a Recreation Centre. Besides providing operational space, the programme also provides centralised facilities such as 24-hour security and property management, fibre optic links, local area network connectivity, wide bandwidth Internet connectivity, uninterrupted power supply, auditorium, conference and meeting rooms, telecommunication conference facilities and services, an exhibition area, a learning centre for training facilities and services, a business centre for the provision of amenities and a recreation centre for sporting facilities.
Apart from TPM, other incubator providers are the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) which operates two incubation centres in Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia; and the Johor Incubation Centre.
The ultimate objective of setting up incubation centres is to stimulate the growth and development of indigenous IT-related activities by individual innovators. These incubation centres are structures that serve as temporary reception centres to newly formed companies or those in the process of being created, providing them with an environment favourable to their development. They draw small firms that may lack the management, technical and financial ability to survive on their own but which can gain tangible benefits from the common support services.
Small businesses in incubators can keep overhead costs manageable by paying for services on a shared, fee-for-service basis. Cash flow benefits, access to assistance sources and interaction with other entrepreneurs in an incubator have proven to greatly improve the chance of success for start-up companies. As Malaysia moves deeper into the knowledge-based K-economy, more incubation centres will be set up to nurture the growth of budding IT companies.