Port Klang, June 3, 2015 – Malaysia’s leading integrated logistics service provider, Konsortium Logistik Berhad (“KLB”), a member of the DRB-HICOM Group, today expanded further its automotive logistics services with the launch of their first RollOn/Roll-Off (“RORO”) vehicle carrier vessel. The launch of the said vessel is to cater to the increasing demand of vehicles logistics solutions in the country. This launch comes at an opportune time, marking a significant milestone for the Group in the logistics business as it is now well positioned to provide it with an integrated sea-land-air logistics capability in Malaysia. “MV Zarah Sofia” further strengthens KLB’s strategic expansion to provide end-to-end automotive logistics services, as well as reinforces its footprint and competitiveness in providing customers with complete logistics services package.
In keeping with the automotive industry’s need for increased efficiencies and faster deliveries within the local automotive market, “MV Zarah Sofia” is poised to facilitate the increased flow of vehicles between Peninsular and East Malaysia, and enable KLB to provide end-to-end automotive logistics services, including Vehicle Transit Centre (“VTC”) at Port Klang and Car Distribution Centre (“CDC”) hubs at Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
Speaking at the press conference after the launch, the Chairman of DRB-HICOM Berhad, Dato’ Syed Mohamad bin Syed Murtaza said, “This investment is a strategic move by the DRB-HICOM Group to substantially strengthen the Group’s foothold in the logistics sector. This new line of business presents a great opportunity to streamline the Group’s supply chain as part of its growth to become a fully integrated logistics service provider with end-to-end solutions in Malaysia.”
Chief Executive Officer of KLB, Dato’ Mohd Shukrie Bin Mohd Salleh, added, “KLB is committed to provide customers with high quality services, and our strong business strategy will add value to customers’ businesses across the supply chain. We are reinforcing our competitiveness in the market by providing an integrated package of sea, land and air logistics services to our automotive customers at competitive prices.”
“MV Zarah Sofia” has a load capacity of 2,500 vehicles and operates between two and three shipments per month. The vessel is currently operating in the Malaysian domestic route between Port Klang and East Malaysia, and to-date has made fourteen vehicle shipments.
The launch was officiated by the Chairman of DRB-HICOM Berhad, Dato’ Syed Mohamad bin Syed Murtaza. Also present at the event was the Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM Berhad, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil bin Jamil, Senior Management of the DRB-HICOM Group, as well as KLB’s current and potential customers.
KLB provides integrated logistics solutions in the five business areas in Malaysia, namely Automotive, Haulage, Logistics, Distribution and Warehousing, Freight Forwarding and Project Logistics.