KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia is eyeing an expanded role in the maritime economy and is working towards future-ready infrastructure through resilient ports, a diversified energy architecture, innovative digital infrastructure, secure shipping corridors, and robust regional cooperation, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said on Tuesday.

This photo taken on March 13, 2025, shows a view of the Port Klang Free Zone in Klang, Selangor state, Malaysia. (File photo: Xinhua)

Citing the growing strategic significance of the Strait of Malacca and evolving global challenges, Loke said Malaysia is strategically positioned to benefit from these developments in his keynote address at the Global Maritime Economics Conference 2026, organized by the Maritime Institute of Malaysia.

"As global shipping routes recalibrate around geopolitical uncertainties, we have a significant opportunity to reinforce our standing as a premier maritime, logistics, and transshipment hub," he said.

Loke emphasized that by accelerating port modernization, deploying advanced automation, expanding multimodal logistics networks, and elevating maritime security, Malaysia can capture new trade opportunities while actively stabilizing regional supply chains.