LONDON: As a responsible and committed council member of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Malaysia will continue to promote safe, secure, environmentally-sound, efficient and sustainable shipping for all nations and communities worldwide.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said Malaysia would also ensure the effective implementation of IMO instruments and would continue the work to improve overall maritime organisational performance through effective measures.
"Shipping is one of the most important mode of goods transportation for Malaysia as a catalyst to our economic growth. Malaysian ports and its shipping industries play a vital role in the economic development of the country," he said at a reception dinner for the organisation's 32nd general assembly at the Malaysian High Commission in Belgrave Square.
The reception was attended by IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim and Malaysian High Commissioner to United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland Zakri Jaafar as well as delegates from other countries.
Malaysia is bidding to be re-elected to the IMO Council under Category C for the seventh term. Voting will be held by member countries present on Dec 10.
"According to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), two of Malaysia's ports (Port Klang and Port Tanjung Pelepas) among the top 15 of the world's busiest container ports in 2020. UNCTAD has also acknowledged Malaysia as the fifth best connected country in terms of shipping line connectivity," he added.
Wee said he was confident that Malaysia, one of the 27 countries contesting for 20 seats in the Council, would be considered for the seat.
"As member of the council, we not only help but give support and organise courses for the National Technical Cooperation Programme where we help countries organise courses to step up their capabilities."
Malaysia has also been consistent in its support and contribution to the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) where Malaysian students had won awards of excellence.
Wee also presented a cheque of Euro 70,000 to IMLI as scholarship grant.
"IMLI plays an important role in providing training," he said, adding Malaysia also gave its support to World Maritime University which has been helping seafarers especially, during the pandemic.
"Malaysia has endeavoured to protect seafarers' rights and well-being by ensuring the process for crew changes, as well as medical treatment that they deserve, are provided accordingly. We also made sure that Malaysia's vaccination drive for maritime workers were given to seafarers first."
In line with the World Maritime theme for 2022 "New Technologies for Greener Shipping", Malaysia will organise Malaysia Maritime Week Conference from Feb 22 to Feb 25, 2022 on discussion for a green transition for the maritime sector.
Among the speakers are IMO director of Maritime Safety Dr Heike Deggim and IMO chief technical advisor Mr Jose Matheickal.
"Malaysia is committed to work with our fellow Member States to achieve net zero emission by 2050 especially within the shipping industry in line with 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) resolutions," he said.
Malaysia celebrates its 50th year as a member state of IMO this year, during which, its has ratified 26 out of the 58 IMO Conventions in ensuring the safety, security of shipping and the protection of the marine environment as priorities.
Malaysia is scheduled to be audited for IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) in June 2023.
"It is with these aspirations that Malaysia is seeking your continued and invaluable support to be re-elected into the IMO Council under Category C for the 2022-2023 biennium during IMO 32nd General Assembly on 10th December 2021."
Voting will be held at the IMO headquarters today.