Transport ministry proposes logistics hub in Negeri Sembilan

NILAI: The transport ministry has proposed the development of a dedicated logistics hub in Nilai or Enstek, Negeri Sembilan, to bolster Malaysia’s logistics sector.

Its minister, Loke Siew Fook, said the location is ideal due to its proximity to KLIA and excellent connectivity via highways linking the northern, southern, eastern and western regions of Peninsular Malaysia.

“We have initiated discussions with Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun. I suggested that a site in either Enstek or Nilai be designated specifically for logistics,” he told reporters here today.

“Currently, this area is used for various industrial purposes, but there is no dedicated logistics zone. I’ve suggested that the state government or its agencies allocate land to develop a national logistics hub.”

Loke said this after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the Smart Regional Halal Distribution Centre (Smart RHDC) in Enstek today.

He said a dedicated logistics hub would boost investments in the logistics sector and capitalise on Malaysia’s globally recognised halal certification system, even in non-Muslim-majority countries.

“Cities aspiring to be international hubs attract many Middle Eastern tourists who require halal products,” he said, reflecting on his visits to China and Hong Kong.

Loke said halal certification extends beyond food to products like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, thereby broadening market opportunities.

Highlighting logistics platform Golog’s role in advancing halal logistics, he said the Smart RHDC facility will serve as a hub for consolidating halal products for export and import through KLIA.

Golog’s CEO, Ivan Chin, said the RM400 million facility, set for completion in 18 months, will enhance market access for businesses and farmers through collaboration with the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority.

He said the Smart RHDC will become a central hub for global halal food exports, offering advanced storage solutions for raw materials, semi-finished and finished products.

It will also feature Malaysia’s first artificial intelligence-powered automated cold storage warehouse, with a capacity of 84,000 pallets and 60 loading bays.