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ALOR SETAR, June 4 (Bernama) — Malaysia’s Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan has visited Bukit Kayu Hitam (BKH) Inland Customs Depot (ICD) and the free commercial zone during a recent working visit. In a statement dated June 1, PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd group chief executive and managing director Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio said the visit marked a significant milestone for the company. It showcased the operational readiness of BKH ICD’s world-class inland port and free commercial zone, which were designed to enhance Malaysia’s logistics and transportation sector. Tio said: “Established as a joint venture on Dec 3, 2019, Bukit Kayu Hitam ICD Sdn Bhd unites two leading entities, One Northern Hub Sdn Bhd, a fully owned subsidiary of PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd, and Northern Gateway Logistics Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northern Gateway Sdn Bhd. “Strategically positioned adjacent to the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration Customs Quarantine Security Complex, this 50-acre development is located on the North-South Expressway, which is also designated as Asian Highway 2, Malaysia’s key route for the ASEAN Customs Transit System,” he said. The statement said that through the ASEAN Customs Transit System, BKH ICD facilitates seamless duty-free trucking across borders, linking Singapore to Vietnam and onwards to China. The inland port’s phased development comprises four distinct segments. Phase one is the 12.4-acre BKH Inland Port, which features a customs office complex spanning 19,775 square feet (sq ft). Phase two, the BKH Free Commercial Zone (Blackwood Forests), encompasses 9.3 acres and is home to four high-capacity warehouses known as Summer, Spring, Autumn and Winter. Collectively, they offer about 200,000 sq ft of storage space. The statement said future phases will introduce parking, fuelling, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, followed by an integrated hub for office space, education, retail, and hospitality known as the Blackwood Complex. Tio said that in 2008, the company had envisioned the establishment of One Northern Hub to ease southern Thai exports via Malaysian ports.“Today (June 1), the launch of BKH ICD and free commercial zone, the first two components of One Northern Hub is to elevate Malaysia’s status to the next ASEAN logistics hub by making cross-border cargo movements seamless, efficient and secure. At the same time, we also aim to bring socioeconomic development to our surrounding communities,” he said. Since breaking ground in early 2022, BKH ICD has achieved several key milestones. Full regulatory approvals were secured in early 2025. It was operational on April 8, 2025. Tio said the free commercial zone was officially launched on June 1, 2025, reinforcing its role as a vital trade enabler. Operational efficiency is a core pillar of BKH ICD’s success, and the facility operates seven days a week from 7 am to 10 pm with a capacity to handle 250,000 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) annually. “Equipped with advanced stacking slots for dry and refrigerated containers, the port targets a productivity rate exceeding 10 moves per hour. Cutting-edge infrastructure, including flexible entry-exit lanes and a next-generation terminal operating system, ensures smooth logistics management,” Tio said. — BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN (May 21): Bukit Kayu Hitam ICD Sdn Bhd (BKH ICD) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to form a strategic partnership, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and connectivity of northern Malaysia’s trade ecosystem. In a statement on Wednesday, Penang Port said the MOU, which was signed on May 14, signals a firm commitment by two key players in the region’s logistics network to drive progress and unlock new opportunities. “The MOU outlines the commitment between BKH ICD, a respected facilitator of cross-border trade at the Malaysian-Thailand border, and Penang Port, the gateway port in the northern region, to collaborate effectively. “Their goal is to leverage their respective strengths and expertise, honed through years of successful operations, to improve the flow of goods, streamline processes, and ultimately deliver greater value to businesses operating in and passing through northern Malaysia,” the statement said. Penang Port said BKH ICD has built a reputation as a key enabler of international trade, offering customs-controlled storage, efficient container handling, and comprehensive warehousing solutions at the Bukit Kayu Hitam gateway. According to the statement, the two parties aim to create a more integrated and responsive logistics value chain, by fostering closer collaboration. “The anticipated benefits include shorter transit times, improved operational efficiency, and the development of innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the trade community,” it said. Penang Port said the MOU also lays the groundwork for future collaboration and mutual development, reflecting a commitment to open dialogue, and the exchange of best practices, while both parties retain their independence and ability to pursue separate partnerships. “It further underscores a shared vision for a more streamlined and interconnected logistics framework in northern Malaysia, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth,” it added.

BANGKOK: Bukit Kayu Hitam-ICD (BKH-ICD) hosted an event in Hatyai on May 17, with leading shipping lines and major forwarding players from South Thailand to introduce and provide progress updates on the upcoming new inland port at Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. The event was also attended by Thai consul-general in Penang Raschada Jiwalai, Sadao Customs House director Phadermdach Mungkung and Songkhla Chamber of Commerce vice-president Dr Pairoj Chaichiratikul. Linked and situated adjacent to the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex, the new inland port is expected to play a pivotal role in simplifying and streamlining cross-border trade. The said development is a strategic joint venture partnership with One Northern Hub Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary company of PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd (PKT Logistics) and Northern Gateway Sdn Bhd (NGX), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Ministry of Finance Malaysia to develop the Delapan Special Border Economic Zone (SBEZ) in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. The BKH-ICD Inland Port will be equipped with the latest technology, including a terminal operating system, gate control system, security system and provisions for rubber tyred gantry crane operations. It is able to handle a capacity of up to 240,000 laden twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per annum. “We envision that BKH-ICD will provide significant benefits to forwarders, exporters, and shipping lines around the region,” said PKT group chief executive and managing director Datuk Seri Dr Michael Tio. “This is an opportune time as border trade between Malaysia and Thailand surged to RM79bil during 2021 and is projected to grow 6% yearly. “By tapping on this huge trade flow, BKH-ICD aims to shape the socio-economic growth in Bukit Kayu Hitam and its surrounding areas in this public-private partnership with NGX. “Spanning 20.2 hectares (50 acres) of land with an estimated development value of RM200mil, BKH-ICD is a sustainable logistics hub consisting of four parcels, notably BKH-ICD Inland Port (Phase 1) and Blackwood Forest Warehouses (Phase 2) where construction is progressing for both with an estimated completion by Q1 2024. The Blackwood Complex (Phase 3) construction will begin in the third quarter of this year with the logistics hub designed as a state-of-the-art ecosystem to promote efficient, sustainable logistics operations and also serves as a focal point for locals and transit tourists. “This strongly correlates to PKT Logistics’ mission statement where we build sustainable logistics hubs with environmentally friendly warehouses and engage the communities around us,” said Tio. “Supporting the inland port with its warehousing needs is the Blackwood Forest, with 19,974.2 sq m (215,000 sq ft) of storage space coupled with offerings of tastefully designed and comfortable office lounges for shipping lines, forwarders and others.” Blackwood Complex will have provisions for an educational institution, retail, co-working space, gym and lounge, offices, service apartments and multi-storey car parks. “Besides serving the inland port users, it will also be a strategic rest stop for cross-border tourists serving as an ideal rest and recreation centre with a food court, convenience stores, cafes and more,” Tio further added. Meanwhile, NGX’s chief executive officer Razwin Sulairee said the partnership with PKT Logistics at Delapan presents excellent competitive advantages to mitigate unpredictable challenges impacting current and future investors. “Our development is set against a backdrop of a post Covid-19 economic drought and a multitude of regional and global political setbacks. “However, these operational and situational challenges have presented us with some clear advantages to create valuable solutions for our global and regional partners. “Businesses setting up at Delapan can enjoy countless benefits to alleviate supply chain and logistical issues caused by potential disruptions affecting maritime regions like the South China Sea, in which case, an estimated US$3.37 trillion worth of annual global trade may be affected.” “Therefore, we present Delapan as a strategic alternative to supply chain challenges faced by our partners.” He added that Delapan is strategically located at KM0.8 of the North-South Expressway, at the crossroads of Asia Highway Network 2, linking travellers directly between Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, IndoChina, China and potentially beyond. “This makes Delapan the fastest solution for easy and uninterrupted access to global markets via road transportation and terrestrial networks without unpredictable delays as a result of the situation at the South China Sea.” He said in the shadow of the Covid-19 economic meltdown, businesses cannot afford to lose from more unpredictability. “We aim to provide our partners with a solid alternative to mitigate further losses from factors outside of their control, as best as possible.” NGX is Delapan Special Border Economic Zone’s (Delapan SBEZ) master developer, which has plans to enhance Malaysia’s position as a strategic gateway for border trade between Malaysia and Thailand. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Finance Ministry of Malaysia. For sales enquiries, contact Victor Ch’ng at 012-438 4797 or email to bkhicd@pktgroup.com.

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 3 — A truck and inland clearance depot (ICD) costing RM200 million will be developed as part of Kota Perdana Special Border Economic Zone (SBEZ) in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. Named as Bukit Kayu Hitam ICD, the 20.2-hectare depot will be developed and managed by a newly formed joint-venture company, Bukit Kayu Hitam ICD Sdn Bhd, a 60:40 partnership between PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd and Northern Gateway Sdn Bhd. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership between Northern Gateway Logistic Centre Sdn Bhd and One Northern Hub Sdn Bhd here today. Northern Gateway Logistic is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northern Gateway, which in turn is a wholly-owned entity of Minister of Finance Incorporated, while One Northern Hub is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PKT Logistics Group. Lim said the government was supporting the development by providing RM25 million in 2019 and another RM50 million in 2020 to build external infrastructure like roads and utilities to make the depot a success. He said the project would improve Malaysia and Thailand’s trade as the kingdom is currently Malaysia’s fifth largest trading partner globally with total trade value of RM105.4 billion in 2018. “Approximately 70 per cent of this value is attributed to trade across the land border, with the Bukit Kayu Hitam-Sadao crossing taking centre stage,” Lim said. PKT Logistics Group chairman Datuk Jalilah Baba said the ICD consisted of three phases with the groundbreaking expected in the first half of next year and the development slated for completion in 2022. She said the ICD, linked to the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security complex, would be the integrated logistics hub to cater to an annual throughput of 200,000 containers along the warehouses and cross-dock facilities for cargo consolidation and container stuffing. “With an integrated and sustainable ICD at Bukit Kayu Hitam, we aim to attract more south Thailand’s transshipment cargo through Malaysian ports, by making all cross-border truck processes for shipping lines, forwarders and customs clearance agents as efficient as it can be,” she said. The ICD would be self-sustaining as it would also contain a petrol station and multi-storey tower providing office space, a logistics institute, and recreational facilities to cater to the needs of truckers, she added. — Bernama